Detra Kay Carnley

Detra Kay Carnley passed away on the morning of January 13, 2023 at TMC Denison.

Detra was born in Dyersburg, TN on September 14, 1955 to Dorothy and Charles Turner. She was born into humbled beginnings with her mother being a young secretary and her father a salesman for a cigarette company. Dorothy remarried when Detra was very young to Jerry Sadler of Bonham, TX. With this remarriage she gained a half brother, Sammy Sadler. Detra and Sammy attended School in Leonard, TX. A defining moment in Detra's life is when she met her unofficially adopted sister, Gina Millhollan of Ivanhoe, TX. From day one these two ladies were inseparable. Detra affectionally gave Gina the nickname "Puss-alina".

Detra had numerous marriages before meeting the love of her life David Carnley. She had always assumed that because of her independent, strong willed, and stubborn ways that she would grow old alone. It seemed that little could tolerate a romantic relationship with her. Expecting David to be like all the others she quickly realized David was different. From the beginning David explained to Detra that he could not fix her past, but he would love her through anything the future holds. They married on May 12, 2004 in Leonard, TX. David and Detra never had children together but joined children from their previous marriages and brought Naomi Adkinson into the fold. Naomi became their daughter by heart and a caregiver for Detra when her health started failing. The last few years of Detra's life were not ideal. By the grace of God she made peace with her past and put her faith in Jesus Christ.

Detra was a strong woman who accepted the war she had gone through. She realized her scars built the firm foundation in which the storms of life had little chance of knocking down. She was a mighty oak tree that would not break. Even in hard times Detra had a sparkle that would not dull but would only shine brighter. Many would describe Detra as a soldier. She kept getting back up and defeat was not an option. Her family finds great comfort knowing that she is no longer in pain and they will reunite with her again one day.

Fly High Beautiful Lady.

Survivors include husband, David Carnley; daughters, Naomi and Ashley; sister Gina and brother Sammy.