Dolores "Memaw" Mae Cowart Carpenter, 80, of Beaumont, passed away in her sleep Thursday, December 19, 2013, at Silsbee Oaks Healthcare.

She was born in Beaumont, Texas, on February 13, 1933, to the late Jesse Strother Cowart and Everett Cowart. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of sixty years, E.W. " Gene" Carpenter; and a brother, James Aaron "Buster" Cowart.

Dolores was an adoring wife and a loving mother and grandmother. She worked occasionally as a secretary but worked the longest at First Baptist Church as their duplicating secretary. She was an avid flea market and antique hunter and an excellent quilter who only started quilting at the age of 50. She loved her quilting group, the "Barn Bats" and had many enjoyable times with them for many years.

Dolores is survived by her children: son, Ken Carpenter and his wife, Paula, of Holly Lake Ranch Texas; daughters, Susan Turner and her husband, James, of Conway, Arkansas; Julie Ford and her husband, Keith, of Lumberton; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Her surviving siblings are Gary Cowart of Kirbyville, Texas and Sue Sonnier of Wharton, Texas.

A gathering of Mrs. Carpenter’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2013, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

The family would like to thank all of her caregivers at the Silsbee Oaks Healthcare and everyone who went to visit her especially those from First Baptist Church of Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Beaumont, 900 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to a charity of one's choice.