Melba Louise Carpenter

Melba L Carpenter, age 95, went to be with her Heavenly Farther Sunday, December 12th 2011. She was born September 20th, 1916, in Fort Meade, Fl. Her parents Lucy and Coon Stokes, moved to Lake Wales, Fl. She spent her younger years there.

Melba met Leon in the early 1930’s. They were married October 17th 1937, at her parents’ home. They enjoyed telling the story of how her mom was in one bedroom and her dad was in the other one, both crying. They were giving away one of their daughters.

Melba became a hairdresser during late 30’s, when Marcella waves were all the rage. Melba became a mother November 29th 1938, when Lance was born. During preparation for Lance’s 1st birthday, Edward made his appearance on November 29th 1939.

Not following tradition, Joy made her appearance on December 7th 1952.

Melba, being a devout Christian woman, shaped the lives of her children by being a friend, as well, as a nurturing and caring mother.

Melba and Leon came to live in Orlando to live. The first home was the old parsonage of Delaney Street Baptist Church.

They were active members of Conway Baptist, Dover Shores and Shenandoah Baptist Church.

During their later years, weren’t able to attend church due to illness.

She was preceded in death, by her loving and faithful husband of 71 years, Leon on March 12th 2009.

She is survived by her children, Lance (Carol), Edward (Elizabeth), and Joy (CP). Her grandchildren Ronnie, Audrey, Kathy (Mark), Karen (Jerry), Ken (Holly), Kevin (Lacey) and Derrell.

Her great grandchildren, Mary, Matthew, Audrey, Chad, Christopher, Michael, Ryan, Danielle, Kyle, Lindsay, Dorien, Damien.

She has two surviving sisters, Irma, Nita (Jim) of Lake Wales along with many nieces and nephews.

Our mother was truly a gift from God. She was always there for us, through good times and bad. Thank God, he saw fit to make her Our Mother.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 14 at 10 a.m. at Shenandoah Baptist Church, Orlando. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando.

Melba L Carpenter, age 95, went to be with her Heavenly Farther Sunday, December 12th 2011. She was born September 20th, 1916, in Fort Meade, Fl. Her parents Lucy and Coon Stokes, moved to Lake Wales, Fl. She spent her younger years