Carolyn Hamman Laprade

Services for Carolyn Hamman LaPrade, 74, of Mineola, are scheduled for 2 p.m., Monday, December 1, 2014, at Bartley Funeral Home with Bro. Craig Lacy officiating.
Interment will follow in Providence Cemetery.
Mrs. LaPrade passed away November 27, 2014, in Tyler. She was born November 15, 1940, in the Providence community to Cloud & Oleta Padgett Hamman. Carolyn graduated as Valedictorian of Van High School Class of 1959. She was a lifelong resident of Providence where she was a member of Silver Lake Baptist Church and Daughters of the America Revolution. She worked many years for Anderson Nursing Center in Grand Saline and served as Administrator for Country Trails Nursing Home until retirement. She was an accomplished pianist. She played the piano for the public for the first time when she was only 5 years old. She played piano for over 50 years at Providence Baptist Church and Silver Lake Baptist Church and she also played for the Roman Road Singers. She taught Sunday School at Providence Baptist Church. Carolyn was well known in the community for her pies, especially her chocolate pie. She was a devoted mother, compassionate friend, a most devoted Nanny and was very giving of her time and money. Carolyn had a special calling for the elderly too. She loved to paint portraits and landscapes and made the most elaborate birthday cakes for her kids and grandkids. Carolyn was devoted first and foremost to Jesus, her church, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William "Buddy" LaPrade; and brother, E.T. "Dink" Hamman.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Keith & Connie Lowe of Mineola; daughter and son-in-law, Karen & Wade Allen of Lindale; step-daughters, Melanie & David New of Rowlett and Melissa LaPrade of Mesquite; seven grandchildren, George Crenshaw, Jr., Courtnee Brokaw, Sam Lowe, Amanda Allen, Emily Smyrl, Leighton New and Amber Holleman; two great-grandchildren, Weston Keith and Langston Crenshaw; one great-grandchild on the way; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be Sam Lowe, Trevor Smyrl, Jake Brokaw, David New, ,Leighton New, and Terry Blackmon.
Honorary Pallbearer will be George Crenshaw, Jr.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Alliance of Smith County or Heart to Heart Hospice of Tyler.
The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.