Frances Carpenter

Frances Odene Carpenter, 80, of Coal City, WV, passed away on October 2, 2018 after a short illness. She was born in Princewick and was the daughter of the late Beecher and Maggie Garretson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Van "Hats" Carpenter; and the love of her life, her son, Harold Van Carpenter, II; three brothrs, Ted Garretson of Princewick, Jack Garretson of Shady Spring, and Horace Garretson of Vadilia, LA; and sister-in-law, Faye Carpenter.

She is survived by her sister, Carol Adkins of Princewick; brother, Willie Garretson (Jeanie) of Pemberton; granddaughters, Amanda Tanksley of Spencer, IN and Cheyanne Carpenter; her nieces, Barbara Lively (Tom), and Melinda Dalton (Steve); grand-niece, Ashley Dalton, who were such a great help to her during her illness; brothers-in-law, Bill Carpenter (Yvette) of Beckley, Jim Carpenter (Ginger) of NC, Kermit Carpenter of NC; sister-in-law, Joan Carpenter of Surfside Beach, SC; niece, Margaret Spencer (Ernie) of Crab Orchard; nephews, Steve Carpenter (Phyllis) of Glen Daniel; and many other nieces and nephews.

Frances graduated from Stoco High School and attended the old Beckley College. She retired from the Raleigh County Board of Education. After retirement, she moved to Florida to a retirement community where she lined on a large pond in which she loved. She also loved and enjoyed then ocean and spending many hours at the beach.

Frances was a very good cook and as she would say, "nothing fancy just good country food." She loved flowers and grew beautiful orchids while living in Florida. Frances had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. That changed with the death of her son, Harold. She was never the same after his passing.

She had many friends and two very special ones, Alma Willis and Wilhemina Goins. She loved them like they were her sisters. They helped and cared for her so much during and with the passing of her son, Harold. Frances was of the Baptist faith.

A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018 at 11:00 am in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Blue Ridge Funeral Home & Crematorium has the honor of serving the family.