Dorothy Rose Abernethy Carpenter

Mrs. Dorothy Rose Abernethy Carpenter, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed to her Heavenly home at the age of 87 on February 14, 2025.

Dorothy was born August 23, 1937 in Lincoln County, North Carolina, loving daughter of the late William David “Dave” Abernethy and Mary Louise Sain Abernethy; and granddaughter of the late Hattie Heavner Sain.  She is also preceded in death by her sister, Betty Loise Abernethy Warlick.

Along with being a delightful homemaker, she was an educator teaching many years at Enloe High School in Raleigh. She then enjoyed her time working with family at Joe’s General Store.  She cherished sharing time with her family, especially with her grandchildren.  She delighted herself with sewing, needle point, reading, gardening and playing the piano.  Dorothy’s legacy of love will continue in the hearts of all she loved.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 69 years, John Alton Carpenter of their home; sons, Joe Carpenter (Cindy) of Laurinburg, NC, and Dan Carpenter (Catherine) of San Diego, CA; brother, Max Abernethy of Vale, NC; her adored grandchildren, Meagan Carpenter-Dial (Clifton) of Laurinburg, NC, Joseph Alton Carpenter (Ashleigh) of Cherryville, NC, John Daniel Carpenter, Jr., of San Diego, CA; great grandchildren, Katelin Woodall, Vedah Rose Dial, Jude Henley Dial, and John Abel Dial.

The memorial service celebrating the life of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at their home church of  Bethlehem Community Church in Cherryville, NC.   The family will share time with a meal prior to the service beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.  

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