Mary Lou Carpenter, age 88, of Calvin, LA, was received into Heaven on April 10, 2026. Born on April 9, 1938, in Urania, LA, Mary Lou graduated from Calvin High School and attended Huey P. Long Memorial Trade School. She worked as a bookkeeper at Tremont Lumber Company, a teller at First Federal Savings, and eventually retired as a bookkeeper at CCA.
Mary Lou was saved in Bethlehem Baptist Church at an early age, under the ministry of Bro. and Mrs. L.H. Hickman, where she served as church pianist and organist. She grew up in the church participating in the Girls’ Auxiliary, Mission Belles and a member of the M.I.S.F.I.T.S. Sunday School Class. Her faithful service and attendance at Bethlehem continued until she became ill. Mary loved her Lord and her music and spent numerous hours practicing and perfecting her gift. She enjoyed traveling with her niece, Nora Lee, and friends, Vickie and her mother, Mrs. Kelley. Several years ago, she and Vickie, along with Dr. & Mrs. William Poe, traveled to London, Germany, Switzerland and other sites in Europe. One of Mary’s greatest joys was working in her flowers and yard, which was always filled with vibrant color. Everyone in the community was amazed each spring at her beautiful snowball bush. She enjoyed shopping and eating out, visiting on her back porch and drinking coffee.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Luther C. and Mary Collins Carpenter; three sisters, Linnie Carter, Winona Dubois and Lottie Ree Carpenter; one brother, William Carpenter; nieces, Nora Lee Carter, Wanda Lee Allen; and nephews, Jesse Carpenter and Bud Carter.
Those left to cherish her memories are special friend, Vickie Kelley; nieces, Naomi Shirey, Martha Bates and Doretha Severino; and nephews, Jerry Dubois and Bo Carpenter, several great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her Bethlehem Church Family.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Winnfield, Louisiana, with Bro. Dick Debusk officiating. Presiding over the interment in Bethlehem Cemetery will be Bro. Todd Whittington.
Friends may visit with the family at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 10:00 am until time of services at 3:00 pm.
Pallbearers are Bo Carpenter, Seth Carpenter, Jamie Carter, Tyler Haymon, Austin Willis, Alan Willis, Mike Feirn and Nick Kelley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Cemetery Fund, 2777 Hwy. 1232, Winnfield, LA 71483.
Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.southernfuneralhome.com