Carol Ann Midkiff Dunn

Carol Ann Miller Midkiff Dunn was born March 2, 1961 in Graham, Texas to her parents, Bill and Joan Miller. She immediately bonded with her sister Sheri, who would be her life long best friend. It was fate that her birthday coincided with Texas Independence Day and Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

Carol spent most of her life blazing her own trail. She saw the world in full color and never missed a chance to look at something from a unique perspective. In a family of musicians, she decided to be an artist. Although, she was a drum major in the Arlington High School marching band. A life-long Christian, she grew up attending church with her family, watching her mother play piano and organ as her father conducted the choir. Carol and Sheri could sometimes be found on the front row, playing with their fancy church gloves, as Bill gazed down from the podium with a raised eyebrow. Carol attended Texas Wesleyan University where she earned her Bachelors in Art with a minor in English.

In 1980, she was introduced to Mike Midkiff by Bill and Sheri Womack. From the moment they met, their deep connection was evident, talking the night away in the front seat of Mike’s yellow pickup truck. On December 19, 1981, they were married in the newly constructed (not quite finished) fellowship hall at New World United Methodist Church in Arlington. Mike and Carol would spend 36 magical years together. In 1983, they started their family. Carol was the mother of three children, Andy, Allison, and Steve, each with a bit of their mother’s rebellious and precocious spirit.

Over the years, she was involved in a variety of ministries at New World. Whether telling stories for children’s sermons, working with children’s choirs, singing in various choirs and small ensembles, or painting backdrops for Christmas plays, Carol put her whole self into everything that brought glory to God. Beyond church and family, Carol had a storied career as a teacher in Arlington, educating hundreds of students in English, Literature, Art, and Foreign Language. In May of 2012, Carol and Mike would retire from teaching and spend the next several years traveling the world together, along with Bill and Sheri, and friends. After Mike’s passing in February of 2018, Carol would continue to travel and explore every part of God’s creation.

On September 16, 2022, she married James Dunn and welcomed his four children into her home, as she welcomed all who needed her love. With James, she would continue her life of adventure, traveling, dancing, and loving life. Later that same year, Carol began her battle with cancer. She would spend three years fighting with grace, courage and dignity. Carol passed peacefully on October 19, 2025, with James at her side.

From start to finish, she surrounded herself with love, laughter, and a big family to share it. Whether they called her Carol, Mom, or Nana, she loved everyone with her whole self. Carol is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Midkiff, and father, Bill Miller. She is survived by her husband, James Dunn, her mother Joan Miller, her sister Sheri Womack, her children Andy Midkiff, Allison Fisher, and Steven Midkiff, James’ children- Hailey Cook, Taylor Dunn, Colyn Dunn, Noah Dunn- and a whole host of friends, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you please donate to the following organizations:

Arlington Public Library, Arlington Museum of Art, or New World UMC Music Ministry