Donna Jean Carpenter

Donna Jean Carpenter
1939 - 2022

Donna Jean Carpenter was born in Anniston, Alabama on June 23, 1939. She was the first of five children born to Arthur Eugene Cook, Jr. and Ruby Mae Cook. The family later moved to Coldwater, Alabama, where Donna grew up. Family and church life were very important. Donna's grandfather, Thomas Leonard Morris, donated an acre of land in Coldwater for the building of the New Haven Baptist Church. Her family lived in a home that was right across from the church.  She often spoke fondly of her childhood in Coldwater, of gospel sing-ins held on her Papa Morris’ front porch and of being baptized in Coldwater Creek. 

On May 6, 1956, she married David Herbert Carpenter. David was a young army recruit who was stationed in Alabama at the time they met. After marriage, David and Donna Carpenter moved back to David's hometown in the Fort Worth, Texas area. The two moved their small family with three young children to Keller, Texas in 1965. Two more children were later born to the couple. Donna was a devoted wife and mother who worked hard as a homemaker creating a wonderful home environment for her family.  Raising five children, she worked tirelessly and shared her love of reading with her children. Christmas was always a wonderful time, as Donna's great love and excitement for the holiday was evident.  She decorated and baked; many wonderful memories were made in their Keller home.

Donna eventually went to work for the Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Office and later worked many years for the City of North Richland Hills. She is remembered by many that she worked with as a kind and thoughtful person who loved to trade jokes and surprise them with cakes that she baked. Countless hours were spent helping with grandchildren, and some years later, great grandchildren! "Mubbers" poured into them,  like no one but she could do, passing on a love for books, animals and a good animated film!  She found great joy in hunting the perfect gift, was fiercely loyal, had a knack for funny sayings, a great sense of humor and a backbone made of steel. We will miss her for the rest of our lives, but look forward to a great family reunion in Heaven one day.

Hers was a life well lived. We were blessed to have a few final days with mom to hug her and let her know how much we loved her. She will always be missed, but the qualities of family, love and giving that she modeled for us, have become roots that we hope to carry on to the next generations. Mom was an encourager. She liked to sing and had a pretty voice. She prayed and although life was sometimes very hard, eventually it seemed well with her soul...."When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, It is well, with my soul." We know that meeting her Savior, Jesus Christ, was joyful.

Donna Jean Carpenter is preceded in death by her grandparents, Thomas Leonard Morris and Mollie Elizabeth McWhorter Morris, Arthur Eugene Cook, Sr. and Oma Mandy Couch Cook; her parents Arthur Eugene Cook, Jr. and Ruby Mae Morris Cook; her brother, Michael Allen Cook and her sister, Deborah Sue Russell. 

She is survived by her brother, Stephen Patrick Cook and her sister Hope Cook Folds; her children, Kimberley Anne Carpenter Williamson, Lori June Carpenter Rawson and son-in-law Michael Rawson, David Michael Carpenter and daughter-in-law Kathy Carpenter, Cynthia Paige Carpenter and Arthur Paul Carpenter; her grandchildren, Bryan David Carpenter, Bradly "Brad" Michael Carpenter, Kathryn "Kassie" Dawn Carpenter, Jessica Rae Rawson Schreiber, Kailey Jo Rawson Mikulencak, Amanda "Mandy" Lee Rawson Hernandez, Meagan Brooke Williamson and Mallory Paige Carpenter Bolands and 9 great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life
1:00 PM, Friday, September 23, 2022
Hillside Community Church
9915 Ray White Rd, Keller, TX 76244

Donna's Celebration will be Live Streamed HERE.

Friends and Family will be invited to share their memories of Donna during the service. 

Reception to follow in the community area at Hillside. 

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