Velma Lamerle (Blanton) Mantooth

Velma LaMerle Mantooth, age 88 from Whitney passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in Clifton at Lutheran Sunset Hope Unit in Clifton. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney with Bishop Roy Carrico and Rev. Andy Hunt officiating. A burial will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Home.

LaMerle was born September 4, 1935, in Nacogdoches, Tx to William R. Blanton and Willie Lou (Hill) Blanton. She was raised in Melrose, TX and later moved to Houston where she met and married James R. Mantooth on January 28, 1950. Together they raised 5 children. She moved to Whitney in 1980 where she was employed by Bush's Grocery from 1980 - 1982, Then took a job with Kountry Grocery in 1982 where she worked until she retired in 2000

LaMerle loved the Lord, her children and grandchildren. She was a licensed minister and held papers with the Pentecostal Church of God for many years and pastored several Churches in Houston and Whitney.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William R. Blanton and Willie Lou (Hill): husband, James R. Mantooth; brother, Troy Blanton; sister, Sue Chance; daughter, Pamela Cullum; grandson, Jimmy Mantooth III; great grandson, Brent Kessler, and great grandson, Daniel Buck.

LaMerle is survived by her children, Sharon Nichols and husband Fred, James R. Mantooth, Jr., Kenneth D. Mantooth, Sr. and wife Leah, and Jeri Vowell and husband Wayne; brother, Bill Blanton and wife Stacey; grandchildren, Robbie Kessler, Nikki Shelton, Cheryl Grissom, James Vowell, Monica Schwindt, Rachel Motley, Amanda Fuentes, Tracie Buck, Tina Mantooth, D.J. Mantooth, Caleb Mantooth, Jordan Mantooth, Hannah Mantooth, Michael Vowell, Kris Vowell, Kandace Vanmeter, Aaron Robison; 46 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.