Leola (Blackwell) Caldwell Carman

Leola (Blackwell) Caldwell Carman, 98, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026, following a brief illness. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Born on February 4, 1928, in McDade, Texas, to Willie and Ethel (Kelton) Blackwell, Leola grew up on the family farm alongside her brother George and sister Bettye. She learned to play guitar alongside George, a skill that would bring her joy throughout her life. World War II brought great change when the family property was taken to create Camp Swift. It was there that she met Jess Caldwell, a young soldier from Kentucky. They married in March 1944 and settled near Bastrop, Texas, later moving into town to be closer to schools for their two daughters, Diana and Carol.

Leola was known for her resourcefulness and loving care of her family. Out of necessity, she became an accomplished seamstress, creating everything from everyday clothing and winter coats to prom dresses and a wedding gown for her daughters. She maintained a large garden for many years, canning produce and sharing it generously while preparing homemade meals for family and friends. Later, she returned to work at J. Fox Department Store in Bastrop. In her quieter years, she devoted herself to researching and recording family genealogy to preserve for future generations.

After 45 years of marriage, Leola lost Jess in March 1990. In July 1991, she married Charles Carman. At his encouragement, she returned to music, mastering the dulcimer and fiddle in addition to guitar. Together they helped found the Bastrop Senior Center and formed the Kitchen Pickers band, which performed old country classics at local nursing homes and the senior center for years. Leola even wrote a few songs and happily shared her musical talents by giving guitar lessons to her granddaughter, grandson-in-law, a great-grandson, and a grand-nephew.

Leola was preceded in death by her parents, brother George Blackwell, husbands Jess Caldwell and Charles Carman, sister-in-law Marion Blackwell, brother-in-law Bruce Light, and sons-in-law Phil Bradley and Everette Saunders. She is survived by her daughters Diana Saunders and Carol Patterson (Blan); grandchildren Anissa Gahagan (David), Erik Bradley (Rebecca), and Ryan Bradley (Rayna); five great-grandsons Chucky, Jess, Reagan, CJ, and Trenton; her sister Bettye Light; and many beloved nephews and nieces, including Jerry Light, Gerry Light, Karen Day, John Blackwell, and Jim Blackwell, as well as Charles Carman’s family.