Theo Watts Carpenter

"I am leaving you at peace. I am giving you my own peace. I am not giving it to you as the world gives. So don't let your hearts be troubled, and don't be afraid." John 14:27. A loving mother and grandmother, she passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, at 4:15 a.m. at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice. She was 86. She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Hernandez; son, R.F. "Bud" Carpenter; granddaughter, Lindsey Roy and her husband, Chad; sister, Oma Lee Roche, of Zachary; and brother, Wendell Galloway, of Isabel. Also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, T.F. "Trigger" and Aletha Carpenter; sisters-in-law, Billie Smith, Ned Carpenter and Faye Joseph; and brother-in-law, Maurice "Sonny" Bailey. Preceded in death by the love of her life for 65 years, F.G. "Johnny" Carpenter; brothers-in-law, Bill Roche, the Rev. Ted Smith, Avery Joseph, Joe Carpenter and Louis Hausey; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, V.R. "Versie" and Totsie Watts; sister and brother-in-law, Dennie and Nevels Holland; sisters-in-law, Bobbye Bailey and Eva Mae Hausey; and son-in-law, Warren Hernandez. She leaves behind to cherish her memory lots of friends and many nieces and nephews, especially her great-niece, Leigh Ann Cabiness, who was an angel to her during this time in her life. She was a wonderful cook who especially loved to bake and make Christmas candy for her family and friends. She was a former employee of Esso Corp. and a substitute school teacher. She was an active member of Blackwater Methodist Church. Visiting will be at Blackwater Methodist Church on Sunday, Dec. 26, from 1 p.m. until service at 3 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Linda Hagan. Interment in Blackwater Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Leland Stockwell, John Bailey, Scott Bailey, Cameron Carpenter, Jason Bliss and Todd Bliss. Special thanks to Ollie Steele Burden and The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blackwater Methodist Church. Sunday dinners and "fried chicken Monday nights" will never be the same. Thanks, Mom, for all the unselfish love you gave, the care we received, the life we have shared and the joy you brought to our lives. If there is fishing in heaven, no doubt you and Dad have found a camp, are wetting a line and fixing someone a meal. We will forever love you and miss you.