Kathryn Jane Walker Carpenter, “The Voice of Dean Witter”, age 89, passed away quietly at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. “Jane”, a graduate of Oklahoma University, was born on February 18, 1935 in Oklahoma City, OK to the parents of Clay and Maurine Walker.

Jane is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Benjamin “Ben” Eugene Carpenter; her parents, Clay and Maurine Walker; mother and father-in-law, Leah Carpenter and Donald Searle; her first child, Benjamin Edward Carpenter; a sister-in-law, Sandra Gills; a brother, Robert Walker (Beulah); and a sister, Frances Helsing King (Robert); and a niece, Julia Dian Walker.

She is survived by a daughter, Denise Carpenter Thomas; a daughter-in-law, Laura Babin Carpenter; her brother Herbert Walker, brother-in-law Robert Gillis (Margaret); her four grandsons, Benjamin Edward Carpenter, Jr. (Kristen), Christopher Carpenter, Walker Thomas and Gabriel “Gabe” Thomas, a great grandson, Benjamin Edward “BEC” Carpenter, III; a nephew, Greg Helsing, whom she called her son. She found joy in the visits of many precious nieces and nephews who made a point to visit from all over the country.

Jane was blessed to serve her Lord and Personal Savior, Jesus Christ, throughout her life. Jane proudly served 35 years as a Naval Senior Chief Petty Officer’s wife. When they determined their children were self-sufficient, Jane entered the workforce as a “Kelley Girl” temp in Downtown Jacksonville employed as a receptionist in the secure “cage” area at Reynolds Securities. It was quickly realized she was a loyal gem that could think on her feet, learn quickly, work respectfully and cheerfully with clients and colleagues. As a result, she was made a full-time employee of Reynolds, later bought by Dean Witter and Morgan Stanley. She was delegated more authority to complete sensitive financial transactions. She was adored, respected, and loved by all during her securities career from 1974 to 1998 and carried many friendships into her retirement.

She was an avid gardener, helping Ben side by side when he was home from deployment and being both parents when he was serving their Country on an Aircraft Carrier halfway across the world. She was raised on a farm in Norman, OK where she learned to love all forms of nature and the importance of celebrating Jesus’ creation with everyone, especially her family. She loved watching clouds, birds, and sunsets and was constantly and eagerly seeking the Face of God in nature.

Jane loved serving at Westside Baptist Church with Ben where he was a Deacon and loved being able to lead people to Jesus. She served over a decade with great delight in the church choir, and behind the scenes volunteered by filing sheet music away preparing the following week’s music for the choir. Jane was known as an entertainer extraordinaire, but most important to her was hosting Christian Missionaries in their home over many decades. She shared Ben’s love for wearing purple because she is a Beloved Child of The King. At Westside Baptist Church, she avidly volunteered for Vacation Bible School and Ball Club. She found joy in participating and helping others.

She helped Ben by volunteering with Mission Harvest and Christian Veterans Association. Distributing Gideon New Testament Bibles to Navy Enlisted Men, she monthly joined Ben to pick up boxes of Bibles and deliver to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, hence providing each Naval Serviceperson with a fresh pocket-sized New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. She always enjoyed feeling like a newlywed when they would go on a breakfast date together afterwards.

Astoundingly, she found time to serve her family at the highest levels, both locally and in Anchorage, AK for decades. She was rewarded by joining her four grandsons in fishing, hiking on mountains, and watching football, track, basketball, and karate. She was always delighted to visit their schools for functions. She and Ben enjoyed many worldwide adventures. Jane delighted in preparing her children’s favorite foods and taught many in her family to cook well. She valued family heritage and was a collector of stories recounted beautifully.
Visitation will be held, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in the Teachey Chapel at Westside Baptist Church: 7775 Herlong Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM, with Dr. Keith Russell officiating. A luncheon celebrating Jane’s life will follow in the adjacent church Fellowship Hall.

A brief Interment Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 11:30 AM in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 with Rev. Ray Mayfield officiating.

Please sign our online guest register at https://fraserfuneralhome.com/obituary/kathryn-jane-carpenter/#condolence

Memorial Service can be viewed live at
https://boxcast.tv/view/jane-carpenter-memorial-i6n5wgkftktwyy6qwsxqboxcast.tv