Mrs. Lela Merida Carmack, our “Granny”, departed this life for her eternal home on Sunday morning, December 6, 2020 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Lela was born October 6, 1929 to Arthur and Gracie Mills Merida of Belles Fork.
In addition to her wonderful parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Lester Merida and wife, Beulah, Alma Partin and husband, John, Ora Merida and Leaner Merida. All are now together in the Lord according to His promise.
Lela accepted Christ as her savior in 1947 at a tent revival on Allison Avenue sponsored by the First Baptist Church of Barbourville. At the time of her passing, she was a member of the Beacon Baptist Church congregation, a church family she dearly loved.
Nothing brought her more joy than to prepare a meal and feed those she loved. She was known for her hospitality and many special dishes.
On November 24, 1951, Lela united in marriage to the love of her life, Earl Carmack, for 66 years, who in May of 2018 preceded her in death. To this union were born four children, five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. They were her greatest gift and mourn her passing.
Survivors include Paul Kenneth Carmack and wife, Gloria, of Bimble; their son, Jason Carmack and wife, Kayla, of Cannon and their children, Kalyn, Kambree and Jase Tucker; Bobby Ray Carmack and wife, Carol, of Bimble; their two daughters, Bobbi Jo Rice and husband, Bill, of London and their son, Brody; their daughter, Lalinda Daniels and husband, Jason, of Corbin and their children, Ethan and Conner Carmack; Jerry Wayne Carmack and wife, Nancy, of Bimble; their children, Tabathy Hubbard and husband, Jamie, of Hinkle and daughter, Morgan, their son, Travis Carmack and wife, Dara, of Barbourville and daughters, Natalie, Lela and Josie; her daughter, Sandra Kay Cecil and her husband, Bobby, of Bimble; a host of other friends and loved ones.
Our family is grateful for the prayers and thoughts from each one of you.
A private family funeral service will be held Friday, December 11 at the Beacon Baptist Church with Rev. Dennis Chesnut and Rev. Rick Partin, her nephew, officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Obie Mills Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be her grandsons, great-grandsons and grandsons-in-law. Honorary bearers will be her church family and all those who knew her as “Granny”.
In lieu of flowers, it would be our Granny’s wish that you donate to the Beacon Baptist Ladies Fund, who tends to the needs of so many during trying times. Donations can be sent by mail to Beacon Baptist Church, P.O. Box 122, Bimble, KY 40915 Attention: Beacon Baptist Ladies Fund.
The Carmack Family is grateful to Joe Hopper and his staff at the Knox Funeral Home for years of friendship and their care and attention in this time of need.
1 Peter 3:4 “You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God”
Please remember, per the Governor’s mandate effective November 20, 2020 all funeral services will be private. Any person entering the funeral home is expected to be wearing a face covering of some kind at all times including graveside services and maintain the six feet of social distance. We appreciate your help in following these guidelines so we can continue to serve our community during these trying times in the safest manner possible.
Send a condolence to the family of LELA CARMACK.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.