Obituary for Phyllis Geraldine Carpenter (Wilds)
On Thursday, April 9, 2020, after a lengthy hospital stay, Phyllis G. Carpenter went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was born in Michie, TN on December 12, 1945. She was 74 years, 3 months and 28 days. Phyllis was a loving and devoted Christian, Wife, Momma, Granny, Great-Granny, Aunt and Sister.
Phyllis was also a passionate teacher for 30 plus years. She believed in loving her students just as they were and helping them to find their best “self” while teaching them. School years would end, but her connection and love for her “children” (students) was lifelong for her. Mastering Facebook allowed her to reconnect with many former students, and this was always a highlight of her days, as she was able to see her students all grown-up.
Learning and education was core to Phyllis. As an adult she obtained her bachelor’s degree, then her master’s degree in education at OSU while raising three children and working full time. Hard work never intimidated Phyllis and she always rose to the challenges along the way.
Those journeys brought many enduring relationships. Such as the deep loving friendships she had with Janet Crenshaw and Connie Mennem. They stayed tough regardless of what was going on.
Phyllis was a very proud mother of three beautiful children, and her world definitely centered around them: Donn LeMonier, Tammy (LeMonier) Caughern and Tim LeMonier. In 1895, Phyllis married Ernest Carpenter, and they recently became residents and homeowners in Roland, OK.
Knowing Phyllis meant laughter. She was known for her laugh, her unconditional love, her wit, and deep desire to stay connected to family and friends. Cheering you on was probably her biggest hobby. This could be going to basketball games and supporting her students at Frontier School at Red Rock, OK, where she finally retired in 2012 (Go Mustangs!), or…being present at numerous graduations, weddings, baby showers and birthdays throughout the years. She loved life. She loved people. To know Phyllis was to love her.
Human relationships were not the only loves of Phyllis. She was an avid lover of animals, and her pets were just more “children” she loved and cared for. They were as spoiled as the children she doted on. To name a few of her furry life-long companions, Fluffy, Snuggles and most recently, Sweetie Pie.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of 35 years, Ernest Carpenter; her three children: Donna LeMonier, Tammy Caughern (husband Ray), and Tim LeMonier (wife Aneisha). She is also survived by a sister Mary Bagley of Tennessee; her grandchildren (affectionately referred to as “Grands”); Rachel Caughern, Autumn Caughern, Dustin Caughern (wife Paige), Cassidy Caughern, Nayeli Lopez-Caughern, Cameron Caughern, Rusty LeMonier, Wesley LeMonier (wife Maddy), Kara Blair (husband Chris), Matt Rush (wife Leslie), and Lacey Bresnahan (husband Shawn). Her great-grandchildren (lovingly called “Littles”): Kayden Blair, Camrye Jo Blair, Kylie Blair, Carter Blair, Hudson Smittle, Adalyn Caughern, Lawson Caughern, Ryleigh Corter, Easton Rush, Aubrey Rush, Quade LeMonier and Ty LeMonier.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ermal Rorie and Vonnie Villanueva; three brothers, Dennie Black, Neil Wilds and James Wilds; a grandson, Justin LeMonier and a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Bresnahan.
Private graveside services for the immediate family are under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren. Family is requesting friends to sign the online tribute at www.ockerfuneralhome.com or visit during normal business hours at 700 Jefferson, Van Buren, AR.
Due to the current Covid-19 public health concerns, there will not be a formal visitation or public funeral. A celebration of life memorial will be scheduled at a later date.
Phyllis was also a passionate teacher for 30 plus years. She believed in loving her students just as they were and helping them to find their best “self” while teaching them. School years would end, but her connection and love for her “children” (students) was lifelong for her. Mastering Facebook allowed her to reconnect with many former students, and this was always a highlight of her days, as she was able to see her students all grown-up.
Learning and education was core to Phyllis. As an adult she obtained her bachelor’s degree, then her master’s degree in education at OSU while raising three children and working full time. Hard work never intimidated Phyllis and she always rose to the challenges along the way.
Those journeys brought many enduring relationships. Such as the deep loving friendships she had with Janet Crenshaw and Connie Mennem. They stayed tough regardless of what was going on.
Phyllis was a very proud mother of three beautiful children, and her world definitely centered around them: Donn LeMonier, Tammy (LeMonier) Caughern and Tim LeMonier. In 1895, Phyllis married Ernest Carpenter, and they recently became residents and homeowners in Roland, OK.
Knowing Phyllis meant laughter. She was known for her laugh, her unconditional love, her wit, and deep desire to stay connected to family and friends. Cheering you on was probably her biggest hobby. This could be going to basketball games and supporting her students at Frontier School at Red Rock, OK, where she finally retired in 2012 (Go Mustangs!), or…being present at numerous graduations, weddings, baby showers and birthdays throughout the years. She loved life. She loved people. To know Phyllis was to love her.
Human relationships were not the only loves of Phyllis. She was an avid lover of animals, and her pets were just more “children” she loved and cared for. They were as spoiled as the children she doted on. To name a few of her furry life-long companions, Fluffy, Snuggles and most recently, Sweetie Pie.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of 35 years, Ernest Carpenter; her three children: Donna LeMonier, Tammy Caughern (husband Ray), and Tim LeMonier (wife Aneisha). She is also survived by a sister Mary Bagley of Tennessee; her grandchildren (affectionately referred to as “Grands”); Rachel Caughern, Autumn Caughern, Dustin Caughern (wife Paige), Cassidy Caughern, Nayeli Lopez-Caughern, Cameron Caughern, Rusty LeMonier, Wesley LeMonier (wife Maddy), Kara Blair (husband Chris), Matt Rush (wife Leslie), and Lacey Bresnahan (husband Shawn). Her great-grandchildren (lovingly called “Littles”): Kayden Blair, Camrye Jo Blair, Kylie Blair, Carter Blair, Hudson Smittle, Adalyn Caughern, Lawson Caughern, Ryleigh Corter, Easton Rush, Aubrey Rush, Quade LeMonier and Ty LeMonier.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ermal Rorie and Vonnie Villanueva; three brothers, Dennie Black, Neil Wilds and James Wilds; a grandson, Justin LeMonier and a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Bresnahan.
Private graveside services for the immediate family are under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren. Family is requesting friends to sign the online tribute at www.ockerfuneralhome.com or visit during normal business hours at 700 Jefferson, Van Buren, AR.
Due to the current Covid-19 public health concerns, there will not be a formal visitation or public funeral. A celebration of life memorial will be scheduled at a later date.