Carolyn L. Carpenter

Carolyn Lea Gervais Carpenter was known by many names…”Punks,” “Momma” and so many versions of Grandma (Na-Na, Nonnie, Mammaw) were her favorites. On June 26th, 2023 at the age of 76, she passed away peacefully in her home at McCrite Plaza Assisted Living in Kansas City, MO from the respiratory disease she fought so valiantly for so long.

Carolyn was born in Kansas City, MO on September 8, 1946 to Earl Joseph and Consuelo Theresa (Verdusco) Gervais. She grew up an only child who was well loved by many cousins. After graduating high school, she married Woodson Lee Mathis. Together they had three children, Brian, Teri (Mann) and Angela (Fera) Mathis. In 1981, she married David Reed Carpenter and added another daughter, Aundrea Carpenter Whiteley, to her family. Raising a family was always her first career choice but she dabbled in many other positions including phone operator, school bus driver, antique collector/dealer, zoo docent, artist, humorist, and jewelry designer.

Carolyn lived in the Kansas City metro area her whole life but loved getting on the road for great adventures, especially as a snow bird in the southwest. She spent countless hours combing the desert in search of beautiful stones from which to craft the most unique jewelry. Over the years, her jewelry making became a form of ministry for her.

Carolyn is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and her three cats. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, son-in-law David Whiteley, and granddaughter Alexandra Whiteley and more pets than we can count.

Carolyn’s visitation, funeral and graveside service will be held on Monday, July 3rd at 10:00am at Longview Funeral Home and Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Carolyn requested donations to HeroFundUSA in honor of first responders. Donations can be made at www.herofundusa.org.

Carolyn’s family would like to thank her many friends for their support after the loss of her husband and during her transition to Assisted Living. Some of her last words were “I was so blessed with my family and friends.” During each goodbye, she assured us she was not afraid and was at peace. She was ready.