Athens –Velma Joe Carsten, 74, passed away on Friday, February 17, 2017 at her home in Frankston.

Velma Joe Pharis Carsten was born October 22, 1942 in Buffalo, Texas the daughter of Dawson Ellis Pharis and Rosa Etta Smith Pharis. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Palestine and was a Girl Scout Leader for many years. She enjoyed spending time outdoors; planting flowers, camping and fishing with her grandkids. Nana’s passion was her family and raising her children. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who will be missed by all she knew and loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Charles Carsten, five brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her children, JoAnn Womack and husband Jackie of Palestine, Randy Wilbanks and wife Beverly of Palestine; brother Richard Pharis of Palestine; sister Virginia Freeman of Frankston; six grandchildren, Laura Akin and husband Mike, DeWayne Tedford and fiancé Valerie, Chris Tedford and wife Anita, Tracy Tedford, Leslee Lamb and husband Brannon, Randy “Bozy” Wilbanks and wife Casey; thirteen great-grandchildren, Zack Fox, Kyle Fox, Matthew Fox, Averee Fox, Braiden Fox, William Tedford, Kenslee Tedford, Ariana Walston, Ethan Tedford, Coltin Grogan, Hunter Grogan, Adalyn Frazier, Bentlee Wilbanks; one future great-grandchild Kensley Fox and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.

You may light a candle or write condolences to the family at: www.hannigansmith.com