Gladys Evelyn Carpenter 66

Gladys Evelyn Sowards Carpenter, 66 of Friendship died Saturday, September 9, 2006 at her residence after a long, Courageous battle with cancer. Gladys was born June 30, 1940 in Friendship to the late Ted B. and Carol Catherine Coburn Sowards. She was a member of Pond Run Baptist Church. Gladys was an active member of Eastern Star Portsmouth Chapter 424 and served as Grand Page and Worthy Matron. She also served as District President and Deputy Grand Matron, President of S.A.G.A. of District 28, and was President of Centennial Bridge Builders 1989 Grand Family.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband William Edward Carpenter whom she married March 12, 1960 at Naces Run Church. She is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Joe) Franklin of West Chester, Ohio and Carmela Carpenter of Friendship; one brother, Ted Richard Sowards of Dayton; five sisters, Patsy Waddell of Friendship, Ann Taylor of El Reno, OK, Theresa Crossley of Kettering, Donna "Cookie" Howarth of Valerico, FL and Pamela Gladden; two granddaughters, Joevelyn (Paul) Morris of Muncie, IN, Marisue Franklin of Stout; a grandson, Aaron Franklin; and two great grandsons Ethan Lane Boggs and Joshua Franklin. Gladys also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends. Gladys was preceded in death by a son, Mark Carpenter and three sisters, Mary Frances and Barbara Jean Sowards and Carolyn June Edwards.

Funeral services will be 1 P.M. Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with James McCullough, Jr. officiating and interment in McKendree Cemetery. Friends may call at the Funeral Home from 4 to 8 P.M. on Tuesday and one hour before the service on Wednesday. Eastern Star services by Portsmouth Chapter 424 will be held at 8 P.M. Tuesday. Donations in Gladys memory may be made to Alzheimers, Make a Wish Foundation or Hospice of Southern Ohio