Tressa James Carpenter

A graveside service for Tressa J. Carpenter, age 88 of Monroe, LA, will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Kildare Cemetery in Kildare, TX with Bro. William “Trapper” Snelgrove officiating. Visitation will be held at 1:00 PM, prior to the graveside service, at First Baptist Church in Kildare, TX., Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Tressa was a graduate of Kildare High School. After high school, she attended nursing school and was employed by Dr. Don W. Irby of Monroe, LA for 17 years as office manager. After her time as an office manager, Tressa began working for Long Distance Saver, Inc. of Monroe, LA for many years and ended her working career caring for hospice patients. Tressa was very successful in sales and management. She enjoyed serving others and never met a stranger. Tressa loved her family and enjoyed cooking for them. She was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star Swartz Chapter 245. Tressa also enjoyed visiting Bro. Marcelle at Mt Union Baptist Church and watching their online services.

Tressa was preceded in death by her husband, William T. “Dub” Carpenter; parents, Willi Oscar and Maggie Texanna Turner James; granddaughter, Ashleigh Paige Elkins; and her brothers, Jack Turner James (Dorothy), Irvin Carroll James (Elaine), and Sam Ed James.

She is survived by her daughter Robin Renee Elkins (Ricky); stepson, William Allen Carpenter (Susan); grandsons, Cody Elkins (Kasey), Caleb Elkins (Brigett), and Tommy Carpenter; granddaughter, Julie Ann Carpenter; nine great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sister-in-law, Mary Lou James; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Irvin James, Jr., Cody Elkins, Roy James, John James, and Steve Landry. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Darrell Snelgrove.