Essie Walker Carpenter, 98, of Tifton passed away Thursday, December 23, 2021, at her residence. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Vanceville Congregational Christian Church with the Rev. Steve Hand officiating. A eulogy will be given by Mrs. Carpenter’s son, Cal Carpenter. Mrs. Carpenter will be laid to rest at Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals. Mrs. Carpenter will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service.
Clay Carpenter, Wes Carpenter, Jesse Carpenter, Bo Carpenter, Tommy Garren and Rusty Garren will serve as pallbearers.
Born February 7, 1923, in Tift County, Mrs. Carpenter was the daughter of the late Jehu Walker and Frances Fletcher Walker. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Paul Otis Carpenter; four brothers, Jehu Walker, Clifford Walker, Elvin Walker and C. C. Walker; and two sisters, Lucy Mae Garren and Lessie Wilson. Before retiring, she taught school in various schools in Tift County and Berrien County from 1942 - 1985. She also farmed with her husband, Paul, while teaching school, raising five boys and finishing her college degree. She enjoyed clogging, square dancing, exercising and milking a cow. She was also a faithful member of Vanceville Congregational Christian Church.
Mrs. Carpenter is survived by five sons and two daughters-in-law, Fred Carpenter, Sanford Carpenter, Stan Carpenter, Clinton and Joan Carpenter and Cal and Teresa Carpenter, all of Tifton; six grandchildren, Clay Carpenter and his wife Lauren, Wes Carpenter, Justin Carpenter and his wife Victoria, Kalon Carpenter, Jesse Carpenter and Whitley Carpenter; three great-grandchildren, Aubree Carpenter, Lucy Jo Carpenter and Casey Carpenter.