Willieann Carpenter

Willieann Carpenter was born January 9, 1942 in Charleston Missouri. She was the fourth of six children born to Williemae and George Carpenter.

Willieann attended Charleston Public Schools and graduated from Lincoln High School. She left home to attend Nursing School in California and returned home to take care of her mother after she fell ill.

Willieann worked in Social Services for the Charleston Headstart until retiring.

She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Perry Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she was a lifelong member. Willieann participated in the choir, served as the Missionary President, and also served on the Trustee Board.

Willieann had a favorite song: “If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain”. She lived her life as such, helping everyone. She never met a stranger.

Willieann was preceded in death by two sisters, Fannie and Bessie Carpenter, two brothers, Leon and George Carpenter, and one nephew, Vincent Carpenter.

She leaves to cherish her memory her lifelong partner/best friend, Melvin D Smith, two children, Arnold “Trel” {Sharon} Carpenter and Taren Carpenter, one grandson, Jeremy {Danielle} Carpenter, one great granddaughter, Tessa Carpenter, two sisters, Francis Carpenter of Stockbridge, Georgia, and Patricia Carpenter of Merriville, Indiana, one sister-in-law, Jennette Carpenter of Gary, Indiana, sisters/friends, Patricia Lampkin, Elsie Rogers and Alberta Redd, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Friends may call Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Perry Chapel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, Missouri with Pastor Carolyn Kent officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston with the Williams Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.