Mary Helen Carpenter's Obituary
Mary Carpenter, age 82 years old, passed away March 1, 2016, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mary was born January 17, 1934 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Helen Mae (Blankenship) and Elton Emenhiser. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Carpenter; her parents; her brother, Jerry Emenhiser; and her sister, Sue Jarrett. Mary graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City in 1952. She married Dewey Carpenter in Oklahoma City shortly after her graduation. Together they raised three daughters and were best friends, who were married for more than 50 years. Active in the churches she attended in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Shawnee, Mary loved teaching Sunday School, tending to her garden, and serving as a foster mom to several children. Mary was known for her culinary skills, sharing secrets to cooking success and teaching generations of her family how to experiment with recipes and to “season your food appropriately or no one will like it.” She made the most wonderful breads and pastries, and her grandchildren especially loved her cinnamon rolls. Most importantly, Mary loved her family and lived her life with her family as her priority. She was a cherished grandmother, who loved her grandchildren in a way that no words can properly express — showering them with love each and every time she saw then. She will be dearly missed by her children: Janet and Doyle Brimberry, Kaylyn and Scott Ferguson, and Cynthia Gourd; grandchildren: Kyle Brimberry, Kara and Bruce Gourd, Jr., Dawn and Dan Kahle, and Christie and Daren Brimberry; 9 great-grandchildren, including Mary’s Best Buddy Breanna Gourd; and a host of family and friends. Mary’s family would like to extend their appreciation to Valir Hospice Care as well as Sharece and Lisa for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mary Carpenter’s name to Valir Health at 800 N.W. 6th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. For questions about the donation, please call 405-609-3600. Graveside services are scheduled for Monday, March 7, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Floral Haven Funeral Home at 6500 South 129th East Avenue in Broken Arrow.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?