Wilma Carpenter

(From Parker Mortuary)

Wilma Lucille Carpenter, 70, of Joplin, passed away June 15, 2021.


Wilma was born April 6, 1951 in Stella to Clarence and Geneva (Williams) Horton. She attended Webster High School in Tulsa.

Wilma worked in healthcare for 10 years in various capacities, including EMT work, private home health and long-term facilities. She also worked for the former Meeker's in Joplin making leather goods. Wilma was a Christian and loved the Lord. She was also proud to be of Spanish heritage and a member of the Cherokee Nation Tribe.

Wilma had a heart of gold and was always there to help those in need. She often looked after our local homeless population, making sure their basic needs were met. Wilma loved everyone and easily made friends out of strangers. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren were her entire world.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Hazel Robbins; a niece and two nephews, Little Johnny, Kemberlee, and Brian; and and two brothers-in-law, Raymond Hines and Jerry Crider.

She is lovingly survived by three daughters, April (Yulet) of Seattle, Washington, Angie Criau (Chris) of Hartselle, Alabama, and Gerri Carpenter (David) of Joplin; nine grandchildren, Kristina, Sierra, Talaura, Kylie, Ambryona, Tristen, Kristopher, Etian, and Aydin; two great-grandchildren, Talia and Mateo; siblings, Mary Ellis (Kirby Sr.) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Linda Hines of Rocky Comfort, Missouri, Sharon Kay Crider of Chetopa, Kansas; Clarence Horton (Angela) of Carl Junction, and Eugene Horton of Joplin; her brother-in-law, Johnny Robbins, of Webb City; nieces and nephews, Crystal, Kirby Jr., Juanita, Sharon, Lauren, Teresa, Jennifer, Heidi, and Eric; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 21, at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin with her daughter, Angie Criau, officiating. Open viewing will be held during business hours on Saturday and Sunday at Parker Mortuary. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.