Sharon Kay Carpenter
Sharon Kay Carpenter, 79, of Holdenville, passed away April 29, 2024, in her home with loved ones. She was a devoted wife, mother and teacher and a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Holdenville.
Sharon was born March 11, 1945, in Stamford, Texas, to Bob and Elvarie Stafford. She attended elementary school, junior high and high school in Holdenville. After graduation, Sharon studied at East Central State College, where she earned English and Business certificates with highest honors.
Sharon was wed to Tony Carpenter on July 1, 1966, at the First Baptist Church in Holdenville, and they had one son, John Carpenter of Oklahoma City.
Sharon’s 30-year teaching career began at South Side High School outside Altus and Wewoka High School. She then moved to Holdenville Public Schools, where she taught English at junior high and then at high school. Sharon was dedicated to her students and went above and beyond for them by working many early mornings, late nights and weekends.
In addition to teaching, Sharon served as librarian at Holdenville Junior High and sponsor for the yearbook and honor society at Holdenville High School. She retired from teaching in 1999. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Stafford and Elvarie Stafford. Sharon is survived by husband Tony; son John; sister Jane Standifird; life-long friend Judy Connally; many nephews and nieces, and other loved ones.
Sharon touched many lives and will be profoundly missed.
Funeral service was 2:00pm, Friday, May 3rd, at the First Baptist Church of Holdenville with Pastor James Poulain officiating. Interment followed at Holdenville Cemetery.
Pallbearers for Sharon’s funeral service were Ken Stark, Chris Carpenter, Trevor Carpenter, Trey Carpenter, Toby Carpenter, and Kyle Cates. Honorary pallbearers were brothers-in-law Mike Carpenter, Jim Carpenter, and Steve Carpenter as well as cousins James Stafford, John Stafford, and Ronnie Stafford.
Services were under the direction of Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home, Holdenville, Oklahoma.