She was born on July 15, 1940 and is preceded in death by her parents Anderson Travis Carpenter, Lucille Carpenter Bitner and James Floyd Bitner; and sister, Ernesteene Carpenter. She is survived by her daughter Karen Verwold (husband Matt Sanders), granddaughters Ashley Sanders (Ray), Sarah Sanders (Andrew), great-grandsons Lucas, Colton, Logan and great-granddaughter Carter Rae; nieces Sheryl Long (Steve), Tina Swalm (Richard), Toni Sistrunk (Cal); nephews Kenneth Hoover (Gail), John Wright (Kimberley) and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Jeanette was born in Houston, Texas and lived in the East end and the North side growing up; attending Orange Grove Elementary and graduating from Aldine High School. She met Jim Verwold at a dance at Red Circle Tavern on Jensen Dr. He was the one. They married on May 12, 1957 in Huntsville, Texas and remained married until his passing just a month shy of their 50th anniversary.
After graduating from U of H, she began her teaching career in Aldine ISD at Oakwilde Elementary (Worsham Elementary) in 1963. She attended night classes at Sam Houston State College along with fellow coworkers Bill Worsham and Bette Koudelka, receiving her Master’s degree in 1980. That same year she became principal at Orange Grove Elementary. The same school she attended so many years earlier. She retired in 1993 after 30 years in education.
Her retirement years were filled with travel. She and Karen took several trips to Europe and the Caribbean. Her father Anderson Travis Carpenter was killed in WWII and buried in the American Cemetery located in Luxembourg. On her trips to Europe she visited his grave on 3 separate occasions, finding peace that he was laid to rest in a beautiful, well cared for part of the world. Although not one to find enjoyment in sun and sand (it mussed her hair), she did enjoy ocean and river cruises. Her favorite itineraries were with different ports of call each day. Her travels also took her to Las Vegas, Wendover and casinos in Louisiana. Her gambling trips were shared with her son-in-law Matt and her friend Sarah Richard (Matt’s mom.) They would each find their favorite slots or poker table and meet up for lunch/dinner to discuss their winnings (or commiserate their losses.) Win or lose, they always had fun!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd, Houston TX 77030; www.houstonhospice.org/donate
Jeanette was a daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, teacher and friend. She loved deeply and was loved just as deeply by many. She will be missed but always remembered by those lives she touched through work and deeds.
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