Jean Carpenter

Jean Carpenter, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed from this life on February 14, 2025. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Scott’s Funeral Home with Pastor Dax Bryant officiating. Burial will follow at Hemmeline Cemetery. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at Scott’s Funeral Home.

Wanda Jean Carpenter was born on October 30, 1947, in Long Beach, California, to Pearl Harbor survivor, Wiley Bennett and his wife, Marina Lopez Bennett. Marina died when Jean was only 5 months old, moving the family to Olmito, Texas to be closer to relatives. Jean graduated from San Benito High School in 1966 and then moved to Austin where she met her husband of 57 years, Danny Carpenter. They were married on June 4, 1967, in Olmito, Texas, and then lived in Austin, Texas, Tyler, Texas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Harlingen, Texas, due to Danny’s work as a federal agent for the ATF. She also had a very successful career of her own for which she was well suited. Because Jean loved children and was always concerned about their wellbeing, she became a kindergarten teacher, teaching for over 20 years. 

In retirement, Jean and Danny settled in Bastrop, Texas and had many travel adventures all over the United States, hauling their fifth-wheel trailer and often a load of grandkids with them. She was also a great hostess and practiced hospitality at every church she belonged to. Her gatherings were always a lively and fun affair. More recently Danny and Jean moved to Gatesville to be closer to family. 

Jean was preceded in death by her father and mother; her stepmother, Phyllis Bennett; and sister, Sue Snowden. 

She is survived by her husband, Danny Carpenter; son, Troy Carpenter of Gatesville; son, David Carpenter of McAllen, Texas; six grandsons; three granddaughters; and one great-grandson. Jean will always be loved by her husband, honored by her sons, adored by her grandkids, and missed by everyone. 

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be made to Texas Baptist Men, Inc. (Texans on Mission), 5351 Catron Drive, Dallas, Texas 75227.