Melvin James Carpenter Sr. was born January 1, 1949 in Pattison, Mississippi to the union of Charlie and Mrs. Alma Cora Carpenter. He accepted Christ at an early age in Port Gipson, MS. Melvin was a devoted husband and friend to his wife and all that knew him. Melvin moved to Chicago in 1966. There he married his first wife Virginia Ann Jones. To that union he had 1 son, Melvin James Carpenter Jr. Melvin was united in holy matrimony to his present wife, Mrs. Martha Richardson Carpenter in 2001. To this union no children were born but he received love and appreciation from his new family and friends. Melvin worked several jobs in Chicago but his longest employment was Willmette Industries (Western Kraft) for 29 years. He became disabled and finally returned to Mississippi. He resided in Clarksdale, MS until he became ill and God called him home. Both of Melvin's parents proceeded him in death and two brothers, George and Jimmy. Melvin leaves to cherish his memories a devoted and loving wife Martha Richardson-Carpenter; 1 son; Melvin James Carpenter Jr. of Chicago; two step children; Terry Richardson of Chicago and Evette Carr of Joliet, IL; 9 siblings; Charlie Carpenter Jr. of IL, Bobbie Jean Carpenter of Oakland, CA, Kathryn Deloris Smith (Tom) of Chicago, IL, Norma Jean Duffin (Morise) of Port Gipson, MS, LeVernis Milner of Radcliff, KY, Charity Garner (A.C.) of Port Gipson, MS, Loistene Fleiming (James) of Oakland, CA, Johnny Ray Carpenter of Port Gipson, MS, Bobby Earl Carpenter of St. Petersburg, FL; 1 uncle; Mr. Ira Lee Smith of Port Gipson, MS; 4 grandchildren; Liyea & Gia Carpenter, Unique McCants, Bryant Robinson of Minnesota; 2 brother in-laws; Nathan Steel (Rochelle), Kenneth Steel (Linda) of IL; 2 sister in-laws; Francine Lewis (Dewayne) & Clemmie Pearson (Demetrius) of IL; 2 special children he raised as his own; Pamela Avant and Prince Creekmore of Chicago; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

---

 Service Information