Mary Lynn Carpenter

Mary Lynn (Koen) Carpenter September 29, 1940 – April 21, 2026

Mary Lynn (Koen) Carpenter passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, with her daughter, grandson, and granddaughter by her side. Mary Lynn was born on September 29, 1940, to Leeora Koen Freelong and Joseph Cleveland Koen. She married the love of her life, Sammy Gray Carpenter, on December 12, 1959. Together, they built a beautiful home and family. They were married for 59 wonderful years. For many decades, she faithfully attended and served at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Millry. She dedicated over 37 years of service to the Washington County Courthouse, where she worked as Washington County Administrator/Treasurer before her retirement in 2002. Her greatest joy in life was having a home filled with her family. Her love and devotion to them were unwavering, and she expressed that love in countless ways. Mary Lynn was one of the most loving, affectionate, caring women. She had a deep commitment to her husband, children, and family. Her family was her life. She greatly cherished and loved her grandchildren, Christian and Christiana. Her great-grandchildren Roman, Henry, and Gray could walk into the room, and her face would light up with the most beautiful smile. They lovingly called her, “Granny”. Her yard was one of her greatest joys, especially in the spring and summer. It was there that she and her beloved Sammy spent many peaceful hours together, tending to their flowers and enjoying the beauty they had grown side by side. She could often be found strolling through her yard, admiring the blooms, and was known for surprising those she loved with fresh bouquets gathered straight from her garden. She was well known for her homemade pound cakes and gallons of sweet tea, always ready to offer both to anyone who walked through her door. Mary Lynn's gentle spirit and warm affection touched everyone she met. She leaves behind a lifetime of love, devotion and family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. 

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Carpenter; her grandson, Christian (Hannah) Williamson; her granddaughter, Christiana Williamson; and her three great-grandsons, Roman, Gray, and Henry Williamson. She is also survived by her siblings, Leaster Dumas, Virginia McIlwain, Lena (John Robert) Moseley, Oscar (Judy) Koen, and William (Janice) Koen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sammy Gray Carpenter; her sons, Darrell Gray Carpenter and an infant son; her mother and father; and her sister, Velma Jean Watkins.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Millry, with Rev. Ron Pierce officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Christian Williamson, Glenn Harvison, Greg Goldman, Mike Seawright, Mark Carpenter, and Hunter Garland.

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