Carol Jean Haggard

Carol Jean Haggard (1947-2025)

Carol Haggard passed away from this life on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.  She was born on May 27, 1947 to Helen and Arthur (Chub) Rudkin in Little Rock, Arkansas (shh…), yet she always thought of herself as a native-born Texan. She was a smart girl who loved her family, her church, and her friends. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in education and became a Social Studies teacher. She taught in Plano, Texas but spent most of her career at Oakland Mills High School in Columbia, Maryland. There, she taught World History for many years before completing her master’s degree and transitioning to a Guidance Counselor.  She was known for having high expectations and helping you achieve them without being mean.

She married David Haggard on July 3, 1969. Three years later, they welcomed their only daughter, Mary Katherine Haggard. In 1980, the family moved from Plano, Texas to Columbia, Maryland.  This kept her below the Mason Dixon Line, which was one of her conditions. Carol and David parted ways in December of 1991.  In 2008, Carol moved to Delaware to join Mary as she served as a United Methodist Pastor.  Together, they lived in Newark, Delaware; Orangeburg, South Carolina; Snow Hill, Maryland; and finally Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania.

Carol loved to travel even though she got motion sickness. She loved to read, especially mysteries, and would say that she only read books that involved a dead body.  She never met a stranger and had the ability to put people at ease.  She was a fierce friend.  She loved her family and did anything and everything for them.  She was the best mother, sister, and aunt anyone could ask for.  She would even offer her “mom” services for anyone in need of a cheering section, a bended ear, or just a hug.

She loved her church and took on many leadership roles throughout the years.  She fully embraced the membership vows to participate in the ministries of the church with her “prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness that in everything God may be glorified in Jesus Christ.”

Carol is survived by her daughter, Rev. Mary Haggard; her brother, Jim and Lynn Rudkin; her nephew, Hunter Rudkin; her niece, Beverly and Joe Ingle; and her great-nieces, Anna Mathias, and Katie, Evelyn, and Victoria Ingle.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 8, at Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark, Delaware. It will also be streamed online. A reception will follow.  Carol always did her best to look good, so for those planning to attend, please wear something you know makes you look good.  Ladies, please carry your favorite purse. Bright flowers are welcome, but plants are at risk.  Donations may be made to the United Methodist Commission on Relief.

“She’s a good girl. Loves her Momma. Loves Jesus, and America too.”

- Tom Petty

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s holy name.” - Psalm 103:1