Helen L. Carpenter

The world's loss on February 7, 2022 was Heaven's gain when Helen Carpenter went to her Heavenly home. The lives she touched in her 94 years are countless. Her home was always open to friends and children. While she only had a single child she was constantly surrounded by young people. Helen Louise Cavender was born to Lenden Earl and Odessa Bell Cavender on December 22, 1927 in Tulsa, OK. Helen grew up in Tulsa and graduated from Tulsa's Central High School in 1945. Helen was married to Charles Allen Carpenter in Claremore, OK on June 29, 1951. The couple's only child was born in 1957. Helen was predeceased by both parents, brother Jimmy, brother Wayne, and sister Sue. Survivors include son George and spouse Jeanne Carpenter of Broken Arrow, grandson Michael with spouse Kaitlin and great-grandson Ben Carpenter of Salt Lake City UT, and granddaughter Melinda and husband Craig Poor of Dallas TX. Helen is also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Helen came from a wonderful family with many cousins who have remained close throughout their lives. Their Harmon family reunions were legendary. She generously gave to anyone in need. Helen was active in the Baptist church, serving as the Sunday School director for the 3 year-olds at Tulsa's Immanuel Baptist Church for many years. Most recently Helen was a faithful member of Garnett Road Baptist Church in Tulsa where she had many friends. Helen was an active mother who was always involved with youth activities, from Cub Scouts to baseball and football. Baseball was Helen's favorite sport, making many trips to St. Louis over the years to watch her beloved Cardinals play. Helen followed many sports and was a great fan of Oklahoma State University athletics. Helen worked many years as an executive secretary at Amoco Oil in Tulsa before retiring in 1984. Helen loved to fish and enjoyed being at the lake. She and Charles owned a home in Grove OK on Grand Lake for many years. While there they were active in the annual Christmas Lane Festival, where Helen and Charles made many of the decorations that brought crowds from miles around. In 2012 this hard-working fearless lady faced down stage 4 cancer and won. Helen's victory over this disease allowed her to continue living a full life, attending the graduation and weddings of both of her grandchildren and seeing the birth of her great-grandson, whom she took on his first ever fishing trip. Helen's network of coworkers and church friends remained close to the end, getting together regularly. They were so kind when she stopped driving, picking her up to continuing their adventures. She loved going out to breakfast on Saturday mornings and enjoyed nothing more than eating at Coney Island. While our hearts ache at this moment we are comforted by the knowledge that Helen is now restored and in the company of her Lord, husband, and family. We can only hope to have learned from her example of how to live a full life and to be of service to all, reaching out generously to those in need and accepting everyone in love. Thank you, Helen, for your unconditional love and life lessons. Viewing will be 10AM-8PM, Thursday, February 24, 2022 with family greeting friends from 6-8PM both at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M., Friday, February 25, 2022 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Helen L. Carpenter

December 22, 1927 - February 7, 2022