Patricia Louise Winters Carpenter

Patricia Louise Carpenter, born on February 16, 1943, in Spruce Pine, NC, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved daughter of Brownlow McDonald Winters and Doris Ann Bowman, and the eldest of seven children, with five sisters and one brother.

Pat's life was a testament to love, dedication, and service. She married the love of her life, Milas Brownlow Carpenter, on the day of her high school graduation, June 2, 1961. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared a deep, enduring love.

Throughout her life, Pat wore many hats, but she identified most as a devoted wife and mother, and as the Director for Children's Before/After School Programs. Her passion for nurturing and guiding children was evident in her professional and personal life. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she served faithfully in various volunteer capacities, including Relief Society President, Young Women's President, and Stake Young Women's President. Her commitment to her faith and community was unwavering.

Pat had a special gift for making everyone feel loved and valued, especially children. She was happiest when surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as countless children who were not her biological grandchildren but cherished her as if she were, all who affectionately called her “Mama Pat”, "Ms. Pat", or "Auntie Pat."

She was preceded in death by her father, Brownlow Winters, her mother, Doris Winters, and her brother, John Winters. Pat is survived by her devoted husband, Milas Carpenter, and their three sons and their wives: Mike and Janae Carpenter, Tim and Kelli Carpenter, and Chris and Naomi Carpenter. She also leaves behind her grandchildren and spouses: BryAnn and Austin Green, Zach and McKinley Carpenter, Kyle and Kennedy Carpenter, Marissa and Radley Nelson, Brayden and Laura Carpenter, Haylee and Josh Moulton, Bracken Carpenter, and Bryce and Carrie Carpenter, along with twelve great-grandchildren, her siblings Zondra Gebhard, Glenda and Dan Clark, Donita and Ron Hipps, Debbie and Lloyd Russell, Donna Winters, and Jeanna and Pete Vickers, as well as a large number of cousins, nieces / nephews, and a host of various other relatives all who will forever cherish her memory.

Pat firmly believed that families are forever, and her life was a testament to that belief. Her love, wisdom, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire and guide her family and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

The services will be held on Saturday, April 26th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 4065 N Center Street Hickory, NC 28601 with a receiving of friends from 11:00am until 12:45pm. A celebration of her life will be held afterwards from 1:00pm until 2:00pm. Burial will be at the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens off Falling Creek Road immediately following the services.

Condolences may be sent to the Carpenter family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.

Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Carpenter family.