Elizabeth Gebhart Carpenter

Elizabeth Gebhart "Betty" Carpenter, 89, of New Castle, DE passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Betts was born in Wilmington, DE the daughter of the late Chandler H. and Mary (Fagan) Gebhart. She was a graduate of William Penn High School Class of '49 and a graduate of Goldey Beacom College where she received her associate degree in business. Betty worked as a secretary all of her life. She began her career working at the Dupont Experimental Station until she married the love of her life Bill Carpenter.  After her sons were of school age, she began work for the State of Delaware, working for 5 years at the Delaware State Hospital, then transferring to the Colonial School District, working both at William Penn High School then in the Administration Building for 25 years before retiring. In the late 70's, she also worked part time at Legislative Hall for Rep. Robert T. Connor. She was a Life member of the New Castle Presbyterian Church, where she was active in the women's groups, served as a Deacon, as an Elder, as a member of Session and as Clerk of the Session for several years. She even worked part time in the church office when the need arose.

Betts was family oriented and was active with her sons as they were growing up. She was a member of the William Penn Band Boosters, served as Den Mother with the cub scouts, and traveled on many a school field trip. She loved going on cruises with her late husband Bill and taking family trips along the east coast. She loved to bowl in leagues with her late husband, and did so at both the Bowlerama and Pleasant Hill Lanes for many years.  She enjoyed her times with family and close friends, which was most important to Betty.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William B. Carpenter, Sr.; her son Jay Carpenter; her five sisters Margaret "Peg" Young, Amelia "Mimi" Durham, Frances "Sis" Dunlap, Maryanna Herbert, and Helen Calloway and four brothers James Gebhart, Chandler H. Gebhart, Jr., Walter "Bud" Gebhart, and John "Jack" Gebhart.

She is survived by her sons Bill Carpenter (Connie) and Mark Carpenter (Kris); 4 grandchildren: Bill, Brett, Katie and James; and a great granddaughter MacKenzie; as well as several loving nieces and nephews who she loved and they meant the world to her and many close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 17, 2021 at the New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. 2nd Street, New Castle. Burial will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 E. 2nd Street, New Castle, DE  19720. Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home with assistance from Faries Funeral Home. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.

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