Carmeleta Kay Statler, a beacon of faith and love, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, at the Rector Nursing and Rehab. Born on April 10, 1942, in Kennett, Missouri, to the late Raymond and Lois Cross Holmes, Carmeleta’s spirited and caring nature touched the lives of all who knew her.
Carmeleta’s journey began in the small town of Kennett, where she grew up surrounded by the warmth of her family. She attended Senath High School, where she formed lifelong friendships and laid the groundwork for a future characterized by dedication and hard work. After graduating, she embarked on a fulfilling career at Emerson Electric in Kennett, where she devoted over 30 years of service. Her commitment to her work was matched only by her devotion to her faith, as a cherished member of the Union Home General Baptist Church.
Her life was a testament to the love she had for her family. Carmeleta was the loving matriarch who brought joy and comfort to her home. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe Statler; her caring parents, Raymond and Lois Cross Holmes; her sisters, Pat Caldwell and Shirley Lacy; her brother, Darrell Holmes; her nephews, Randy Caldwell, Bruce Miller; and her son-in-law, Ben Holder.
The legacy of Carmeleta’s kind and nurturing spirit lives on through her daughters, Rhonda Clayton of Rector and Jodie Holder of Paragould. She was a cherished grandmother to Aaron Clayton and a bonus granddaughter Valerie Smithee and a doting great-grandmother to Lane, Luke, Levi, and Kristina Clayton. Each of them will carry forward the lessons of compassion and resilience that she instilled in them.
Carmeleta’s life was one of service, not only to her family but also to her community. Her love for cleaning and caring for the sick made her a pillar of support in times of need. She was a woman who found joy in the simple acts of kindness, and her ability to uplift those around her was unparalleled.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Irby-Mitchell Funeral Home in Rector. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Kenny Burns officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.