Jean was born on November 10, 1929, in Palatka, Florida, to the late Goodwyn Myrick Stafford and Frances Bevel Stafford. Jean was a cheerleader at the University of Florida where she met Ralph Carper, her future husband. They married in 1950 and shared a wonderful life together for 52 years. The couple retired to Johnson City, TN in 1991 and joined Central Baptist Church.
Jean will be remembered by her family as spunky, spirited, and quick to laugh. She enjoyed the companionship of her pug dogs, Newt, Pugsley, and Rambo. She was often seen walking them in her neighborhood and was referred to as “Pug Mama.” Jean loved shopping, biking, and traveling in her camper van to Florida in the winter. She was an avid bridge player and earned the status of Life Master.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Howard Carper. Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, David Carper and wife Cindy, of Johnson City, TN, Kenny Carper and wife Julie, of Sunset Beach, NC, and Paul Carper, of Dallas, TX; her sister, Lillian Vaill, of St. Augustine, FL; five grandchildren, Laura Mays (Charlie), Philip Carper, Ray Carper (Ashley), Mason Carper (Molly), and Nolan Carper; and six great-grandchildren.
The Carper family will hold a private graveside service on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Mountain Home National Cemetery with Rev. Bill McDaniel officiating.
The family appreciates the kind and compassionate care Jean received from Dr. James Hansen, the Dominion Senior Living staff, and the Caris Hospice staff.
Arrangements especially for Mrs. Martha Jean Stafford Carper and her family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
