Mary Ella Brown Carpenter, 84, a lifelong resident of Shelbyville, Tennessee, passed away July 29, 2025, at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro. The family will accept visitors and guests on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the service at 12:00 noon, which will be held at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville, Brother Jimmy Gray will be officiating.
Born on April 7, 1941, Mary was the daughter of the late Lester Clayton and Mary Magdalene Pinkston Brown. She graduated from Shelbyville Central High School and was a long-time member of El Bethel Baptist Church in Shelbyville.
Mary was married to her devoted husband, Donald Rogers Carpenter Sr., for 66 years. They loved camping and traveling across the United States together. She enjoyed painting, crafts, growing flowers, and watching the numerous and varied birds on their property.
Mary was preceded in death by her brother Samuel Clayton Brown and brother William Henry (“W.H.”) Brown.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Rogers Carpenter, Sr.; sister; Betty Anna Brown Spence (Bobby); children Cathy Nichols (Nicky), Don Carpenter, Jr. (Kaye), Carol Martin (Rocky); grandchildren, Clark Nichols, Hannah Rempe (Logan), Austin Carpenter (Megan), Kateland Hall (Ryan), Drew Martin (Jordan), Matt Martin, Greg Martin; and great-grandchildren. Lily Martin and Willow Carpenter.
Mary will be remembered for her strong Christian faith, devotion to family, listening ear, and kindness to all.
Feldhaus Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
