Willie C. Carpenter, Sr.

Willie C. Carpenter Betts, Sr., 56, resident of Charleston, Missouri died Saturday, November 28, 2020 at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was born April 15, 1964 in Charleston, Missouri to the late Mattie Mae Gardner Green and Jimmy Betts of Charleston, Missouri.

He graduated from Charleston High School, Class of 1982.   He made a name for himself running track.  He still holds the record in the 100 meter dash.  He loved sports, but track and field was by far his favorite.

Willie married the love of his life, Patricia A. Mitchell, on May 24, 1985.  They had a wonderful life together.  Willie believed in "family first."  When the boys were growing up, every Tuesday night was game night. He was a good father to his own as well as the others who were with his sons.  He would consider them all family.

Willie took pride in raising his boys to be men.  He believed in getting up early and getting things done.  He was always looking for an opportunity to teach them and others.  As long as you did what you were supposed to, he was okay with that.

He received Christ and was baptized by Reverend Hunt at a young age, and attended Jesus is Lord church in Cairo, Illinois until his departure.  He loved listening to gospel.  He enjoyed  "good sanging" with his church music.

Willie was a very hard worker.  At one time, he had three jobs at one time. He was presently working at Bunge Corporation in Cairo, Illinois as a transfer operator.  He had been there for more than 18 years.

He loved entertaining and hosting family events.  He and his boys built the patio together and that was one of the places that he liked to gather.  He enjoyed his family to the fullest and most would say, "He was the life of the party."

Willie kept a smile on his face, loved to travel, and never complained. He was known for his sayings “How you like them apples”, and “Alright now, something gotta shake!” Willie was a strong entrepreneur, he started selling cookies from his home at the age of 20. As he was known to the community, the owner of the famous Bros KicKin, to others he was more, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, or cousin. If you needed someone to talk to with no judgment with pure love correction, he was the one! Most looked to him as a father figure, the true “FAMILY MAN.

In addition to his mother, Mattie Green, he is preceded in death by his grandmother, Mattie Gardner, his sister, Roxie Anderson, and his brother-in-law, Julian "Wayne" Brown.

In addition to his father, Willie is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Carpenter of the home, four sons, Ricky (April) Mitchell of Rockford, Illinois, Tronzell (Amanda)Mitchell and Vantours D. (Natasha) Betts of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Willie C. (Kershawnte) Carpenter Betts, Jr. of Charleston, Missouri, five brothers, RJ (Rose) and John (Sherry) of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Charles (Tan) and Jerome (Nicole) of Charleston, Missouri, and Lynn (Taffy) of Sikeston, Missouri, eight sisters, Bernice, Susie, Mildred (Freddie), Lois, and Lisa  all of Charleston, Missouri, Michelle of Kalamazoo, Michigan,   Tisha (Michael) and Paula of Memphis, Tennessee, 11 grandchildren, Patricia, Phynea, Marcus, Zarian, Travianta, Bailey, O'mari, Damountia, Namrius, Xavier, and La'nhya, an aunt, LuVera Gardner of Charleston, Missouri, a childhood friend, Paladin Ware of Charleston, Missouri, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 11:00 A.M. until the family only visitation at 12:00 noon.  Funeral services will begin at 1:00 P.M. at Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, Missouri with Pastor Hubert Pirtle, Jesus is Lord Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.