Ann Barnes Carpenter

Ann Barnes Carpenter, age 85, of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of December 5, 2023. She was born on May 7, 1938, in Nashville, to the late Louis R. and Anna Wilkinson Barnes.

Ann graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1956 and Maryville College in 1960. She married Don Milton Carpenter, who predeceased her, on November 25, 1960. She taught 1st grade for one year at Brookmeade Elementary before devoting the next 12 years to being a full-time mom to her children, Tom Carpenter (Julie) and Alice Carpenter.

In 1973 she began teaching again. She was briefly at Percy Priest Elementary before being transferred to a full-time teaching position at Eakin Elementary where she taught kindergarten in the same classroom for the next 29 years! She positively touched the lives of dozens of school children throughout her career as well as her own family and the many people she met throughout her life.

Ann loved family history and was proud of the fact that she could trace her heritage back through many generations. She loved visiting Pulaski, TN and exploring our family history there as well as in the Maury County Archives.

Thanks to the incredible care that Alice provided for her, she was able to remain in her own home until her passing. Alice’s loving care that she provided to Ann cannot be overstated.

Ann was a member of Glendale United Methodist Church for many years, but for the last 5 years was a devoted attendee of Covenant Presbyterian Church via live-streamed services.

In addition to Tom and Alice, Ann is survived by her grandson, Brandon Carpenter, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family.

Marshall, Donnelly & Combs Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Reverend Peter Van Eys is officiating. Visitation was Monday, December 11, 2023, followed by a funeral service at Marshall - Donnelly - Combs Funeral Home. Burial was at Harpeth Hills Cemetery.