June 5, 1928 - September 3, 2021

Jacquelyn ‘Jackie’ Ruth Carpenter, a lifelong Flushing area resident, died Friday the 3rd of September due to Congestive Heart Failure at the age of 93.

She leaves behind four cherished children: Dennis Carpenter and his wife Laurie, Bryan Carpenter and his wife D’Artagnan, Charlene (AKA Char) Carpenter (formerly Barrett) and Kevin Carpenter and his wife Pamela. As well as nine precious grandchildren; Amanda (Carpenter) Wynot Liucci, Kelly Carpenter and his wife Mandy, Keith Carpenter and his wife Lulu, Corban (Carpenter) Hunt and her husband Joshua, Dakota Carpenter, Brandyn Carpenter, Melissa Carpenter, Ashton Carpenter-Smith, Kourtney (Carpenter) Ardrey and eight adored great-grandchildren; Peter Wynot, Andrew Wynot, Evan Wynot, Jack Carpenter (named in tribute to his great grandfather), Alex Carpenter, Iris Carpenter, Uriah Carpenter, Graham Hunt. Aunt Jackie was beloved by nieces Esther Sixberry and Brenda Simmons, nephew Larry Powers and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jackie also leaves behind an abundance of devoted friends, spanning decades and communities far and wide. She valued all of them as if they were family, a trait she modeled and passed on to her children.  The family wishes to specifically thank Cheryl and Rick Bigelow for their devotion, compassion, and generosity. They ensured that Jackie was well cared for and was connected to her distant family via Zoom (AKA “Bloom” according to Jackie) every Sunday, or as much as possible. Additionally, she loved and was deeply cared for by Patricia Carpenter, George Barrett, Greg Wynot, and John Lucci.

Jackie was preceded in death by her Father, Herman Dwight Hitchcock, Mother, Edith Marion Giles, and sisters Jennie (Azalia), Patricia (Pat), Manula and brothers Giles and Francis (Jim).  

After 35 years of widowhood, she will be eternally reunited with her beloved husband, Jack Leroy Carpenter. She and Jack were married June 26, 1948 and were gifted with 37 years of wedded bliss until Jack passed away from cancer in 1985.

She was born, raised, and spent her life in the Flushing, Jackson, Mt. Clemens, Bay City and Flint, Michigan areas.  Throughout her life Jackie remained actively involved with the church, both personally and professionally. She utilized her natural gifts and talents of being highly organized and detailed working as a church secretary. Notably she worked alongside Rev. Carol “Revvy” Johns at Christ United Methodist Church (now known as Grace Church – West Campus) and Rev. Carter Preston at the United Methodist Church in Bay City. After many years of dedicated service, she retired in 1993.

When not at church, she had many passions and cherished time with her family and friends.  Jackie enjoyed square dancing with Jack, gardening, crocheting (but not knitting because she never got the knack of it and didn’t do anything she wasn’t good at). She was also involved with her sons Boy Scout activities—to which her great-grandsons Peter, Andrew and Evan are extremely active in the Scouts, carrying on her legacy. Although involved with Scout activities, the only way Jack could get her into the woods and nature was to buy a 35-foot RV where she would “glamp” (glamorous camping). The family made many treasured memories along the AuSable River in Grayling. Even when “glamping” and most definitely in daily life, Jackie valued always being well dressed. She even had her ears re-pierced many times to utilize her large costume jewelry collection.  During the summer, Jack and Jackie frequently traveled all around the country for Jack’s Army reunions, rekindling treasured friendships.

When the time came and the Lord called Jackie home, we know in our hearts, she responded in her true Jackie nature. She had a charming, yet ever-feisty stare. Then after a few quiet moments, responded with her infamous, “I suppose”, as if to indicate it was her decision. We’re certain she was then warmly welcomed by all who preceded her.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Sharp Funeral Home (8138 Miller Rd, Swartz Creek, MI 48473). The family will welcome visitors during visitation Friday September 10th 4:00 – 8:00 PM, with funeral service on Saturday September 11th at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will follow at Flushing Cemetery (725 E Main St, Flushing, MI 48433). All who loved Jackie are then invited to a celebration of life luncheon at Flushing United Methodist Church (413 E Main St, Flushing, MI 48433). Being a devoted member and church secretary in the United Methodist Church, it only seems fitting for her family and friends to come together in a place she felt so at home.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jackie’s name to CaringBridge, https://www.caringbridge.org/give or the ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give .

As a remembrance of her bright, loving, and joyful spirit, please stop by a Wendy’s fast-food restaurant and have a warm bowl of chili, followed by a cool chocolate Frosty, both of which were her favorites, and savor all the things you hold sacred. If chili and Frosties aren’t hitting the spot, maybe you’ll feel better after a cup of tea, thinking about her cherished teacup collection.

Jackie's family sends their gratitude, love, and comfort to all those who loved her as much as they did.  Especially in her later years the family is grateful for the tender care given through the angels of The Med Team and The Med Team Hospice.

In memory

Upon the year anniversary of Jackie’s passing, we honor and remember you Mom.