Rollaine Junn Carlson

Rollaine Junn Carlson went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on November 29, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. She will be remembered by those who knew her as a pillar of strength, faith, and love.

Rollaine was born on May 27, 1956, in WaKeeney, Kansas, to Daniel and Edith Hysell. The youngest of three girls, she spent most of her early childhood in Salina, Kansas. After her mother married her stepfather, Charlie Reed, in 1970, the family moved to Oakley, Kansas, where Rollaine graduated from Oakley High School in 1974.

She continued her education at Barton County Community College in Great Bend before transferring to the University of Kansas. She completed her bachelor’s degree in education in 1978 and earned her master’s degree in special education in 1979, also from the University of Kansas.

During her time in college, Rollaine met the love of her life, Chris Carlson. They dated throughout their college years and were married on August 6, 1978, in Ellsworth, Kansas. Shortly afterward, they moved to Liberal, Kansas, where Rollaine began her career as a Special Education teacher at Southlawn Elementary School.

They welcomed their first child, Andrew, in June 1985. Soon after, the family relocated to Amarillo, Texas, where Rollaine continued her career with Amarillo ISD. Their daughter, Aimee, was born in March 1989, completing the family she loved so deeply. Alongside raising her children, Rollaine remained dedicated to her career at Emerson Elementary, Olsen Park Elementary, and ultimately Puckett Elementary, where she retired in 2017.

Rollaine was passionate about teaching children and had a unique gift for connecting with students who faced challenges. She touched the lives of countless students and families, who will remember her with deep affection. She also formed lasting friendships with fellow educators, who admired her dedication and cherished her witty sense of humor.

Rollaine was preceded in death by her father Daniel Hysell, her mother Edith Reed, stepfather Charlie Reed, and sister Danette Foster. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Chris Carlson; her son Andrew Carlson and wife Monica; her daughter Aimee Labriola and husband Justin; her sister Susan Linton Teague; nephews Troy and Gary Linton; and her beloved grandchildren—Cooper, Braydee, Jace, Sage, and Cash.

Rollaine loved her family dearly and delighted in summers spent watching her grandchildren swim. She was lovingly cared for by her devoted husband until the end of her life.

Behind her humor and sometimes tough exterior, Rollaine was the most thoughtful and caring person with a huge heart. She was unique, loyal, and truly one of a kind. Her strength, love, and wonderfully dry wit will be dearly missed.

Services will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 2:00 pm, at St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 4600 Western Street, Amarillo, Texas. Visitation with the family will be at St. Stephen Methodist at 1:00 pm, before the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lost Pets of Amarillo (lostpetsofamarillo.org) or your favorite elementary special education platform.