of North Little Rock, AR
September 9, 1921 - July 13, 2018
Elaine M. Carpenter died July 13, 2018. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles L. Carpenter, Sr., parents Thomas M. and Juanita Mays McDonald, sister Bettye M. Caldwell (and Fred. T.) She is survived by her sons Larry (Beth) and Tom (Kay), two grandchildren, Dr. Matthew Carpenter, and Mark Carpenter; nephew Paul Caldwell (Jan), niece Elizabeth Lawson, and grand-nieces Rachel and Rebecca Caldwell.
Born September 9, 1921 in Smithville, Texas, Mrs. Carpenter received a bachelor's degree from Texas State College for Women (TWU), did graduate work at Iowa State University, and later received a Master's Degree from the University of Central Arkansas.
For over 30 years she served as a high school librarian in the NLR School District, retiring in 1985. Favorite memories included finding football books for Jerry Jones, but more importantly, helping young women focus on literature and believe they could achieve any goal.
A faithful member of 1st United Methodist Church in NLR, she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. As a young girl, she played the piano for civic club luncheons (enjoying the free lunch during the Depression), and continued to play until the last few months made that too difficult. She was also a Daughter of the Republic of Texas.
A member of the NLR Retired Teachers, she never quite retired. Her activities included the NLR History Commission, help with literacy programs, mentoring students, delivering meals to those in need, giving book reviews, and working with the NLR Garden Club.
During World War II, she worked Kelley Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Once upset when an upstart lieutenant asked her to correct his dictation, she consented only when the commanding Colonel said, ''Miss McDonald, if Lieutenant Carpenter asked you to make the correction, then make the correction.'' Somehow this promising start led to their marriage on February 3, 1946. Shortly afterwards she moved with him to North Little Rock.
Interested in history, religion, literature, and travel, she had extensive travels around the world. She was also an accomplished amateur photographer (until digital cameras surpassed her).
Unless it is possible to find Texas bluebonnets, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to 1st United Methodist Church, 6701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116, St. LaBre Indian School, PO Box 216, Ashland, MT 59003, or the Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, 100 Rock St., Ste. 530, Little Rock, AR 72201.
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6 Condolence(s)
James P. McDonald
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
I am very sorry that Elaine has passed away. As a distant cousin visiting Little Rock on business several years ago she treated me with grace and generosity. It was always a pleasure to visit here when I was there and I have missed those meetings over the past years. I will always remember her kindness and our conversations. Elaine and her sons and grandchildren are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Blodgett Deacon
Monday, July 16, 2018
I am so sorry to see that Mrs. Carpenter passed away. As a former student and garden club member I always admired and respected her. She was a true renaissance woman with a sharp mind, a multitude of interests, and many talents. But more importantly, she was a gracious lady who was so proud of her sons. I will miss her presence on this earth. May you find comfort in the fond memories you hold in your hearts.
With deepest sympathy,
Debbie Deacon
James W. (Jim) Stanley, Jr. & wife, Audrey
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Dear Carpenters --
'GOD's plan calls for LIFE to end; However, LOVE never stops.'
With the conclusion-of-this-life, there comes to a close an important household in the history of the North Little Rock community. Just as every 'good couple' is a team, such were Charlie and his dear wife, Elaine. Perhaps we learn as we grow-up and grow-older -- 'A Mother can take the place of almost anyone, but no one can ever replace her'. We extend to you our sincere condolences at this sad loss. May you be blessed with the balm of knowing this fine woman is sitting at the right hand of GOD.
Vicki
Sunday, July 15, 2018
I was one of your mother’s “Bookworms,†her library monitors, for two years. She was a character. I remember 2 things she said. She told me she was surprised that I am from a “broken home,â€
as single-parent homes were called back then. In trying to explain what kind of books she thought inappropriate for high school students, she used a reference that I had never heard or read and didn’t totally understand. That’s how naive I was. She was a little prickly, but I considered us to be friends. Who could have guessed that more than a decade later, I would become an attorney and know Charles, Larry and Tom.
Nancy Killion Moix
Sunday, July 15, 2018
I have fond memories of your mother from NLRHS as well as your dad......I worked for Mr. Charles Carpenter & Mr. Blankenship (still love the smell of a cigar) before, during, and after our senior year. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Glenda Cranford
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Wonderful person. I learned a lot working for her in the Library during high school. Prayers for family and friends.