Ms. Ethel Mae Carpenter

Ethel Mae Hughes was born on January 16, 1937, to the union of Eva ogers-Hughes and Jeff Hughes in Benevola, Pickens County, Alabama. Ethel received her formal education at Summerville Industrial High School in Aliceville, AL graduating May 19, 1955. She furthered her education at Milwaukee Area Technical College, earning her licensed practical nursing degree. She also earned her bachelor's in education from Carthage College on May 15, 1972. Ethel accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and united with Mt. Moriah CME Church in Benevola, AL. After relocating to Milwaukee, WI, she united with St. Matthew CME Church where she served as a member of the Ida Mae Black Missionary Society and Ora Taylor Circle. On September 19, 1956, Ethel Mae Hughes united in holy matrimony with Joseph Carpenter in Billings, Montana. Their union was blessed with three children. Ethel was' employed by Milwaukee Public Schools as an elementary education teacher for 40 years until her retirement in June 2012. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling with her brother, Louis Hughes, to Masonic conventions and vacationing with her children at various timeshare destinations. She also cherished visiting family and friends for reunions and special gatherings. Ethel Mae especially loved taking casino trips with Carrie, Corey, Adele, and Ken-she really enjoyed gambling. Ethel Mae Carpenter departed this life on February 12, 2026. She was preceded in death by her: parents, Eva and Jeff Hughes; husband, Jospeh Carpenter Jr.: son, Martin D. Carpenter; brothers, Irving, Ovet, JC, Louis, Joe, and Ira Hughes; sisters, Minnie Hughes and Susie Bonner; and nieces, Adele Kamau and Carrie Odom. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Brenda Carpenter- Mathews of Lorton, VA; son, Richard Carpenter of Milwaukee, WI; stepdouqhterCorolvn V. Coleman of Hartford, CT; sister, Dorothy M. Parham of Bellwood, IL; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Hughes of Milwaukee, WI and Thelma Williams (Nathan) of Montgomery, AL; grandchildren, Briana Carpenter, Toussaint Carpenter (Jasmina), Malik Carpenter, Iriana Matthews, Jospeh G. Carpenter, Prominence Sangster (David), Crystal Coleman, and Ashley Coleman; great-grandchildren. Kenya Marigny, Koko Blackhawk, Ava Coleman, and Bryce Coleman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Ms. Ethel Mae Carpenter

February 16, 1937 - February 12, 2026