Memorial Trees
A
Anonymous
January 24, 2025
N
Nena and Charlie Brackett
January 21, 2025
Memorial trees planted for:
Carolyn "Cissie" Newlin Sullivan
<p>Carolyn “Cissie” Newlin Sullivan, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Katy, Texas, on January 12, 2025, just days after celebrating her 91st birthday on New Year’s Eve.</p><p><br></p><p>Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 31, 1933, to Clarke Rudolph “Red” and Martha Carolyn “Cassie” Newlin, Cissie was the middle child and only daughter. She was the apple of her father’s eye. The family moved to Mobile, Alabama, where Cissie grew up, graduating from Murphy High School in 1950. A true Southern Belle, she often led society dances and was known as the Belle of the Ball. Cissie fondly recalled her childhood days spent on Mobile Bay, from watching the Jubilee phenomenon to keeping an eye out for German submarines during World War II.</p><p><br></p><p>In Houston, Cissie attended the University of Houston, where she was President of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and was very involved in Frontier Fiesta. During this time she met fellow student George Sullivan. George, a clown diver and lifeguard at the famed Shamrock Hotel, became the love of her life. They married in 1955, and together they had two sons and two daughters. The couple was active in their community, volunteering with their children's extracurricular activities and serving St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston.</p><p><br></p><p>The family’s adventures took them from Houston to Omaha, Nebraska, and Lincolnshire, Illinois, before returning to Houston for George’s work with Coca-Cola Foods. They retired in Rockport, Texas, where George was Commodore of the Rockport Sailing Club and Cissie was his first mate. Their sailing adventures aboard their 37-foot Irwin yacht were some of the happiest moments of their lives.</p><p><br></p><p>After George's passing in 1991, Cissie continued to embrace life. She moved back to Houston, then later to Katy, where she traveled extensively. She journeyed through Europe with her son, Belize with her daughter, and went on a South African safari with friends. During this trip, Nelson Mandela invited the group to his home for lunch, where he affectionately referred to Cissie as “Tex” and expressed his love for Texas.</p><p><br></p><p>Cissie was known for her generosity, her warm spirit, and her infectious smile. She was the heart of her family, organizing reunions, creating lasting memories, and ensuring everyone had fun, especially when playing her favorite game, Tripoley.</p><p><br></p><p>Cissie was preceded in death by her parents and older brother Clarke “Pete” Newlin. She is survived by her younger brother Charles T. “Chuck” Newlin (Leasa); sons George Daniel Sullivan (Carol) and Patrick Tanner Sullivan (Laura); daughters Kelly Sullivan Kirwan and Shawn Sullivan Ryan (Mike); 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many loving family members and friends.</p><p><br></p><p>A funeral mass will be held at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Katy. For funeral details, please visit the Schmidt Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or St. Bartholomew Catholic Church.</p><p><br></p><p>Cissie’s legacy of love, kindness, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.</p><p><br></p>December 31, 1933 - January 12, 202512/31/193301/12/2025
Share Obituary: