Wanda Louise Carroll

Wanda Louise Whorley Carroll, lovingly known as Memaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born July 1, 1940, in Chattaroy, West Virginia, and passed away January 24, 2026, at Maury Regional Hospital, at the age of 85.

Wanda was the daughter of Robert Lee Whorley and Euva Mae Harrison Whorley Barnett. A true coal miner's daughter, she learned resilience early in life. After the loss of her father at the age of ten, she later moved to Michigan with her mother following her mother's remarriage-experiences that shaped her strength, independence, and unwavering devotion to family.

At just fifteen years old, Wanda married the love of her life, James Edward "J.E." Carroll, beginning a marriage rooted in commitment, perseverance, and deep love. They shared many years together until J.E.'s passing on October 25, 1993. Wanda devoted much of her life to being a homemaker, raising her children and creating a home where everyone felt welcome. After her husband's death, she returned to work at Johnson Controls and later Fisher & Company, where she remained until her retirement.

Wanda made her home in Hohenwald, Tennessee, where she became a constant and familiar presence-steady, hardworking, and always ready to welcome others in. She was rarely still, often found mowing her own grass, running the weedeater, making candy, or tending to whatever needed to be done. One of the greatest joys of her life was her swimming pool, which she kept spotless and always ready, simply because she loved having people there. Her home was a gathering place filled with laughter, splashing water, birthday parties, and late-night swims. Her children and grandchildren brought their friends, and Memaw treated every one of them like her own. She truly was Memaw to all.

Just as sacred were Sunday afternoons at Memaw's house. Sundays were Memaw days. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered to eat what she cooked, filling the house with warmth, conversation, and comfort. After the meal, the cards came out. Memaw loved her card games-Rook, Rummy, Solitaire, and Yahtzee-and many Sundays turned into full-fledged Rook tournaments, with generations gathered around the table. Those afternoons weren't just about games; they were about tradition, belonging, and togetherness. Sundays won't be the same without her.

Holidays were especially meaningful in Memaw's home, particularly Easter. Every year, she spent the entire day before Easter boiling eggs, carefully preparing for the family tradition she cherished. That night, everyone gathered to color eggs together, and on Easter morning, her yard came alive with multiple egg hunts, laughter, and excitement shared across generations. These moments became treasured memories-simple, joyful traditions made special because Memaw made them so.

No visit to Memaw's house was complete without coffee. She always had a pot on, and you could almost always find her sitting at her kitchen table, coffee cup in hand, ready to visit. Whether you stopped by unannounced or stayed awhile, that table was a place of conversation, comfort, and connection-a quiet reflection of the way she lived her life, always making room for others.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, James Edward "J.E." Carroll; her in-laws, Jesse Bryant and Aline (Dean) Runions Carroll; her granddaughter, Captain Jessica Naomi Carroll Wright; her brother, Ray Vaughn Whorley; her sister, Barbara Jean Skeens Nixon; and her brothers, Rickey Barnett and Ronnie Barnett.

She is survived by her children: James Edward Carroll, Jr., Jesse Lee (Cathey) Carroll, Robert Duane (Dana) Carroll, and Rhonda Denise (Scottie) Bass; her sister, Linda Lee Whorley; her sisters-in-law, Nora Elizabeth Whorley, Riverview, MI, and Jessie Louise Salyers.

She is also survived by her 9 grandchildren: Rachel Carroll Lopez of Memphis, Corbin (Jennifer) Carroll, Hannah Carroll Underhill of Memphis, Coby Carroll, Payton (Ryan) Staggs, Quenten Carroll, Bethaney (Josh) Keltner, Landree Carroll, and Hayden (Hope) Bass of Summertown.

Her legacy continues through her 10 great-grandchildren: Parker Carroll, James Wright, Lydia Lopez, Tanner Carroll, Connor Wright, Rhett Staggs, Knox Keltner, Ezra Lopez, Tate Staggs, and Klayr Keltner.

She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, February 2nd from 4:30 PM to 8 PM at McDonald Funeral Home in Hohenwald, TN.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, February 3rd beginning at 11 AM with burial to follow in the Piney Cemetery.

Wanda Louise Carroll will be remembered for her strength, her tireless work ethic, her open heart, and the way she brought people together. Her table was always full, the coffee was always on, the pool was always ready, the cards were always waiting-and her role as Memaw will live on in the traditions, memories, and love she leaves behind.

McDonald Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Carroll family.