Bette Barcus Carpenter

Bette Barcus Carpenter of Houston died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, June 11, 2016. Born in Houston on June 15, 1940, to Methodist minister V. Cyrus Barcus and Edna Faye Whitefield Barcus, Bette spent her childhood years moving with her family to towns where her father pastored. In eighth grade, Bette moved to Brownwood and met her sweetheart and husband for more than 53 years, Fred Alan Carpenter, Jr.

Bette attended Southern Methodist University where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, a Rotunda Beauty and President of the Student Center. SMU held a very special place in Bette’s heart, not only because of her wonderful years there, but also because her father founded the SMU Mustang band, many of its traditions, and introduced the first pony mascot, Peruna.

After college, she and Fred married and soon moved to Houston. Bette taught music and theater arts in several schools, including River Oaks Elementary, River Oaks Baptist School, and St. John’s School. Years later, students would stop her to tell her how she forever impacted their lives.

While teaching, Bette, with the encouragement of fellow teacher, Martha Turner, obtained her real estate license and became one of Houston’s premiere real estate agents over the next thirty years. While at Martha Turner Properties, Bette welcomed her daughter, Clare Carpenter Leppert, to be her partner as a mother-daughter sales team. They worked together for over fifteen years. Bette often referred to Clare as her “pride and joy,” and they shared a unique bond.

Bette was blessed with a rare combination of strength, business smarts and creative energy. Whether for business or pleasure, nothing excited her more than planning over-the-top parties, detailed table decorations, and even themed Christmas trees! These artistic endeavors were her gifts to family and friends.

Bette’s greatest passion, however, was her family. Affectionately known as Bebe, she treasured her time with Fred, Clare and her grandchildren, Michael Lake Leppert and Katherine Clare Leppert. Actively involved in their world, Bebe poured her love out each and every day.

When not selling houses or caring for her family, Bette found the time to share her talents with many organizations, including Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Association, River Oaks Blossom Club, the Briar Club, St. Luke’s Women’s Circle, Daughters of the American Revolution - John McKnitt Alexander Chapter, and many other heritage societies. Friends always looked forward to seeing what Bette was up to next, as it was always a grand surprise!

Bette was preceded in death by her parents and her son-in-law, Michael Leppert. She is survived by her husband Fred, her daughter Clare, her grandchildren, Lake and Katie, her brother, Cyrus E. Barcus of Dallas, and her sister, Barbara Barcus of Waxahachie.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven in the morning on Monday, the 20th of June 2016, in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Rev. Bill Denham, Pastor of Caring Ministries is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the fellowship hall.