Jodelle Trantham

Jodelle Trantham, 91, passed away in Mexia on May 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home with David Bates officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

She was born on September 30, 1934 in Dawson, Texas to Fain Everette and Janie Bell (Young) Carroll. She grew up in Mexia and graduated from Mexia High School, Class of 1952. Jodelle married her lifelong partner, James Edward “Eddie Boy” Trantham on May 30 1952; they were blessed with five children, Mary, Judy, James, Susan, and Sara Jo. Her family was truly her life.

Jodelle was a remarkable lady with a big, loving, caring heart. She was a hard worker, never idle, and raised her family to do the same. She dedicated her life to raising her children, taking care of their home, and always there for them whenever needed. She devoted many years to being a constant caregiver to her daughter, Sara Jo, who she loved dearly and never asked, allowed or trusted anyone else to care for her. Jodelle was very practical, she enjoyed living an old-fashioned lifestyle, taking care of others, and never asking anything in return. Her faith and love for the Lord gave her strength throughout her life.

Jodelle enjoyed working in her flower beds, vegetable gardens, reworking old furniture, and raising chickens. She usually grew so many vegetables that she had enough to sell to others. She also liked to start her day reading all the local newspaper and having a good cup of coffee!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fain and Janie Carroll; husband, J. E. "Eddie Boy" Trantham; daughter, Sara Jo Trantham; grandson, Lance Gehring; brothers, Fain Carroll, Jr. and Milton Carroll.

Jodell is survived by her children, Mary Alice Spampinato and husband, David, Judy Ann Paetzold, James E. Trantham, Jr. and wife, Margaret, and Susan Roberts and husband, Frog; grandchildren, Kristin Williamson, Joshua Williamson, Tracey Carr, Kristen Hucks, Mindy Ferris, Daniel Trantham, Sarah Portillo, Emilie Roberts and Lillie Roberts; numerous great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.