Barbara Sue Caudell

A funeral service for Barbara Sue Kemp Caudell, 89, of Mabank, Texas will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home, Bro. Eston Williams officiating. Followed by a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. at Stoney Point Cemetery in Anna, Texas.

Barbara went home to the Lord peacefully on October 4, 2023 in Athens, Texas. She was born on February 17, 1934 in Farmersville, Texas to Fredrick Vodras Kemp and Cassie Maeola Shinn Kemp.

Barbara grew up in Farmersville, Texas in the Snowhill Community. After conversations with her father – and her parent’s devotion to saving money, Barbara was able to achieve her ambition of becoming a teacher. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from East Texas State College. A proud accomplishment for both her and her parents. Barbara was a dedicated teacher for many years, leaving no child left behind, before there was a no child left behind campaign. Her fondest memory of teaching was helping a little boy, Alvin, with special needs be all that he could be.

On April 24, 1955 Barbara married her one true love, Jesse Tom Caudell. Together the couple built a beautiful life together. Jesse and her were blessed with two wonderful children and 47 years of marriage, till his passing in 2002.

Barbara loved telling stories of growing up; she would smile as she told stories about going to her grandparents; getting paper shell pecans, gifts, wonderful meals and good family times for Christmas. She would laugh and smile remembering her brother Joe, chasing her around the house with a dead chicken and finding her Christmas gift in the quilt box where her mother hid it.

Barbara was active in the community all around the Mabank area. Barbara was on the first Board of Directors of the chamber when it was formed as The Greater Cedar Creek Lake Chamber unified to become one chamber. Barbara was one of the board members representing Gun Barrel City. The terms were for three years, so she served until at least 2004 and may have served a second term. She always volunteered for their fundraising committees and she and her husband Jesse were always generous with sponsorships and use of the clubroom at LakeRidge RV Park. She was involved and a member of Cedar Creek Lake Women's Club and was the President from 2008 to 2010 with a membership of 200 women. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, the Literary Club and the Red Hat Society of Gun Barrel City. Barbara enjoyed growing plants, finding good deals at Goodwill, watching the horseraces', camping with the camping club and time with family. Barbara will live on in the hearts and memories of all that knew and loved her.

A big appreciation to Arabella of Athens for their caring and loving staff that took such great care of our mom. During covid it was a challenge for everyone, but they held their chin up and carried on and upheld their duties in protecting everyone. Thank you to Paige with Traditions Home Health for your diligent care.

She is preceded in death by her parents, F. V. and Cassie Kemp; beloved husband, Jesse Tom Caudell; brother, Joe Aaron Kemp.

Those here to cherish Barbara’s memory: son, Greg Caudell and Dena Traweek (partner of over 20 years); daughter, DiAnna Pinson and husband, Charles; grandchildren, Shelley Caudell, Amber Ferguson and husband, Raymond Sr., Tyler Eaker and wife, Amanda; great grandchildren, Abigail Hankins, Dalton Hankins, Raymond Ferguson Jr. and Brett Ferguson; a host of other family and many friends.

A visitation will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.