Carrol Lee Meade

Obituary for Carrol Lee Meade, née Hanks

Carrol Lee Meade, née Hanks, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on February 28, 2026, at Open Arms Hospice in Visalia, California. She was born on March 13, 1940, in Hartford, Arkansas, to the late Riley Clay Hanks and Nannie Lee Hanks, née Franklin.

Carrol dedicated more than 35 years of her career to the insurance industry, where she became a highly respected manager with AIG Insurance before her retirement. She was known for her strong work ethic, leadership, and the kindness she extended to colleagues and clients alike.

Outside of work, Carrol cherished time with her family. She especially loved the holidays, when gatherings were filled with laughter, storytelling, and her warm, albeit feisty spirit. Some of her favorite memories were made camping with her brothers and sisters, playing cards, and engaging in the playful bickering that only close family can share. Her love for family and her sense of humor created countless memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Carrol was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald Clay Hanks and Wayne Riley Hanks, her sister, Joyce Merlene Grissom, née Hanks, and her brother-in-law, Robert James Grissom.

She is survived by her daughters, Lauralee Meade and Melissa Ann Jagears, née Meade; her sons, Matthew James Meade and Joshua Lee Jagears; her sister, Sarah Lee Whitaker, née Hanks; and her brother, Charles Clay Hanks. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

A graveside memorial will be held on April 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Tulare Cemetery, 900 E. Kern, Tulare, California (Section B, Block 2, Grave 506). All who knew and loved Carrol are invited to join in honoring her memory.

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