She was born almost 91 years ago on October 26, 1931 to DeWitt and Myrtle Carpenter in Lubbock, TX. She graduated from Petersburg High School in 1948 and attended Angelo College in San Angelo.
After returning to Lubbock to work, she met her future husband, a handsome young Marine named Jack Bryant. They married on March 27, 1951 and made their lifelong home in Lubbock. Ernestine stayed home raising their two daughters until they were both in school, when her love of reading led her to become a school librarian at Harwell Elementary School. A few years later, she became a librarian at the Texas Tech University School of Medicine, where she enjoyed working until her retirement.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three older siblings, Gerald and Paul Carpenter and June Carpenter Smith; her beloved husband of 61 years, Jack; and her younger daughter, Stacy Ann Taylor.
She is survived by her older daughter, Cindy McBrayer (Mark); grandchildren, Whitney McBrayer and Bryant McBrayer (Carmell) and Josh Taylor; and three great-grandchildren, Presley and Audrey McBrayer and Sydnee Taylor, all residing in Lubbock.
Ernestine lived an active life right up until her last day. She enjoyed reading, sewing, baking, attending musical events and spending countless precious hours with Presley and Audrey. She traveled far and near, amazing her friends and family by hiking and sailing in Croatia and visiting Israel and Jordan at age 88. She was a dedicated Christ follower and an active church member, most recently at Monterey Baptist Church.
Ernestine’s family will receive visitors at Resthaven Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Thursday at 10 AM, also at Resthaven.
Contributions, in Ernestine’s memory, may be made to the Texas Tech Baptist Student Ministry, 2401-13th, Lubbock 79401 or a favorite charity.
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