NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Virginia Pauline Carpenter passed away Dec. 7, 2016, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston at the age of 96 years.
She was born Aug. 10, 1920, in Flint, Mich., to the late Obed and Pearl Wagster Nowell.
She was married to Ernest Carpenter who preceded her in death.
She was long time resident of New Madrid, was a homemaker and enjoyed her years living on the farm. She created a live nativity on the farm that many people enjoyed every Christmas. She grew orchids and established the Corsage Shop in 1962. Virginia and Ernest renovated the Claire Hotel in 1985 where she resided.
Through the years she served a president of New Madrid Women's Club, member of the Missionary Baptist Church and LaForge, member of Chamber of Commerce and member of the merchant's organization.
She is survived by: two daughters, Charlotte May of St. Louis and Saundra Cope and Ken Cope of New Madrid; one brother, N.J. and Shirley Nowell of New Madrid; grandchildren, Steven and Jodi May of St. Louis, Allison and Mike McHale of Alabama and Jason and Jenny Cope of New Madrid; and great-grandchildren, Andrew Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Michael McHale, Steven McHale, Jamie and Jessica May and Clay and Craig Cope.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brother, Bill Nowell and Bob Nowell; and one sister, Betty Thompson.
Visitation is from 4:30-7 p.m. today at the Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday with Jimmy Johnson and Eric Mattson officiating.
Burial followed in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Pallbearers were: Bill Haubold, Matthew Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Josh Nowell, Rick Nowell, Russell Riggs and Steven May.
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Memorial contributions
may be made to:
Boys Town of Nebraska
14100 Crawford St.
Boys Town, NE 68010
or
St. Labre Indian School
1000 Tongue River Road
Ashland, MT 59003
or
St. Jude Children's Hospital
262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN 38105