Seventh Generation

2892. Estelle HEFNER was born on 12 March 1906 in Catawba County, North Carolina. She died on 17 April 2005 at the age of 99 in Pallative Care & Hospice of Catawba Valley, Newton, North Carolina. She was buried in Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery, Catfish community, Catawba County, North Carolina. Her obituary appeared as follows: CLAREMONT - Mrs. Estelle Hefner Carpenter, 99, of Claremont, passed away in the company of her loving family on Sunday, April 17, 2005, at Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley. Mrs. Carpenter was adored by her family and friends who will miss her infectious smile, quick laugh and love of life. Born March 12, 1906, she was the daughter of the late Marion and Nannie Lail Hefner. Mrs. Carpenter was a member of Mount Zion Lutheran Church on County Home Road until she was married. She was baptized March 24, 1906, and was confirmed in 1919 at the age of 13 at Mount Zion Lutheran Church. Once married, she became a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont. She was a charter member of the Altar Guild at Bethel Lutheran Church and was also active in the LWML. She attended the Wednesday morning Bible Class until her health deteriorated. Mrs. Carpenter worked at Warelong Glove in Conover from age 16 to 39. She made glove samples and was ultimately promoted to floor lady, at which time she was responsible for supervising 300 employees. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Coyte Donald Carpenter; five sisters Annie Lail, Fannie Kanipe, Chiney Hefner, Carrie Sigmon and Londa Hefner; and four brothers, Oscar “Bud” Hefner, Ivo Hefner, Russell Hefner and Robert Hefner. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Margie Carpenter Powell and husband, Charles Robert “Bob” Powell, of Newton; three grandchildren, Charles R. “Rob” Powell Jr. and wife, Linda, of Catawba, William “Bill” D. Powell and wife, Dawn, of Newton and Catherine “Cathy” R. Powell and partner, J’Nell Bryson of Charlotte; a great-grandson, William “Will” D. Powell II of Newton; a sister-in-law, Ruby Hefner of Claremont; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at 4 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church. The Revs. Craig Schultz and Edward Meyer will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Brown, Jim Carpenter, Nicholas Punch, Dewey Herman, Lawrence Kanipe and Todd Rader. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service. The family will receive friends from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Wednesday at Bethel Lutheran Church. The family asks that memorials be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 5759 Bolick Road, Claremont, N.C. 28610, or Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, N.C. 28658. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many devoted caregivers. The Carpenter family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremations in Conover. [Hickory Daily Record - Tuesday, April 19, 2005]

Estelle HEFNER and Coyte Donald CARPENTER were married on 29 November 1928. Coyte Donald CARPENTER²⁷⁰⁷, son of Charlie Carlton CARPENTER and Lottie Minerva BROWN, was born on 13 December 1906. In discussing assisting St. John's Luthern Church, several members were qute generaous. So that these donations are placed in economic perspective, based on the construction costs of the 1990's, these donations can be multiplied by about 10 or more to equal 1990's value in 1950 dollars.

Others offered moral support in a wide variety of ways. One of the more unusual facility gestures came from Coyte D. Carpenter on Rock Barn Road. He had built and owned what was commonly known in the community as the "round-house." This building was made available to St. John's for recreation purposes, "since there is no place for recreation at our own at the present time." This offer was accepted more than once, and was the site of social functions held by the youth and choirs -- which could not slow down due to lack of a building.

Coyte, always a generaous man, was present at the opening of the Canova Theater in Conover, May 28, 1941. After the dedication, it was decided to auction off the very first movie ticket, with proceeds going to the Conover Woman s Club. Coyte Carpenter of Claremont bought it for fifteen dollars.

Estelle HEFNER and Coyte Donald CARPENTER had the following children: