Carrie Jan Flippen was born to Billy and Mary Henry on April 27,1970 in Norman, Oklahoma. Carrie was the youngest of the four Henry children. She graduated from Norman High School in 1988. After high school she attended City College, earning an associate's degree in medical billing and coding. In addition to her studies, Carrie spent a great deal of her young adult years assisting in caring for her maternal grandmother, “Grandma Todd”. Her presence in the home and help with everyday tasks were extremely meaningful to both her mother and grandmother.

Carrie was a teenager when her siblings began marrying and having children. She quickly became the “cool aunt”, devoting a great deal of time and love to her seven nieces and nephews, who she later titled “The Original 7”. Carrie was a huge part of their upbringing. She was a constant in the ever-changing life of a young person and a friend and confidant as they grew into adults.

On October 23, 2010, Carrie married the love of her life, Gary Flippen. They lived in Southeast Oklahoma for a time before settling down in Norman, close to Carrie’s parents and siblings. For almost 16 years, they lived together, sharing all of life. They held their vows dear to their hearts. She was a loving wife and stepmother, and a doting mother to their precious pets.

Carrie loved her pets. Each one she owned over the years was a very important and valued part of her family. She was always committed to caring for them, and they returned her love with absolute loyalty. She also enjoyed reading, especially the classics. Her love of reading naturally equipped her with remarkable skills as a writer and poet. She often wrote meaningful pieces as gifts to her family. Carrie loved music. Whether it was the latest release from a new band she followed or an old favorite, music spoke to her and colored her life. Many of her friends and family share music memories with her from concerts and musicals to car ride jam sessions.

Carrie loved her family and friends fiercely. At times her outer core came across as cynical and sarcastic, but this was merely a defense mechanism used to guard her heart. Once she let you into the fold, you were part of her clan. She was a listening ear, an encourager, and she was always ready to stand in defense of those she lived.

Carrie worked at Norman Regional’s Occupational Medicine office for 19 years, where she formed lifelong friendships before exploring other job opportunities. Most recently, she served as the administrative assistant at Alameda Church of Christ. She loved this job with her whole heart but retired from this position in 2021 amid mounting health concerns.

In March of 2024, Carrie was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She battled the illness with all she had. Through two surgeries and various cancer treatments, she remained positive. After the second surgery in September of 2024, the cancer had been successfully removed with no signs of spreading. Within a year the cancer returned, and while Carrie battled it again, the toll became too much to bear. She discontinued her treatment and, with peace in her heart, she lived intentionally for as long as her body allowed.

Carrie passed away in her childhood home, the same place that she had spent so much time caring for others. She left this life peacefully the evening of May 13, 2026, and in a true God-wink moment that she would have so appreciated, her husband, father, and three siblings were all gathered around her in those final moments.

Carrie was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Henry, Mother-in-law, Kaye Beeler, and grandparents, Ora and Mary Todd and Cecil and Ada Henry.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Flippen, step children Jeff Flippen and Samantha Flippen, pets Molly, Duke, and Lucy, her father, Billy Henry, sisters, Quincia Berry and husband David, Cynthia Kear and husband Eddie, brother, Buddy Henry, father-in-law, Ron Beeler, brother-in-law Steven Flippen and wife Kym, sister-in-law Melinda Vega and husband Joe, nephews Dwayne Kear and wife Sarah, Timothy Henry and wife Lakryra, Anthony Henry and wife Jackie, Derek Kear, Josh Flippen, Tim Flippen, Joey Vega and Eli Vega, nieces Christy Russell and husband Michael, Courtney Wright and husband Kevin, Ashlea Zook and husband Sam, and Alexandra Vega. She is also survived by 13 great nieces and nephews and many beloved friends and extended family.