Shirley "Ochanee" Carpenter

Shirley “Ochanee” Carpenter, 80, of Abilene, was called home on Friday, July 4, 2014. A graveside service will be held at the Hamby Cemetery on Tuesday, July 8 at 10:00 am, under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

Ochanee was born to George and Bessie Fay Mims on December 16, 1933 in Hamby, Texas. She attended schools in Hamby and would later graduate from Abilene Christian College in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Along the way, she met Tom, her husband of 58 years, when he was stationed in El Paso. They were married on December 16, 1955 in Hamby. Ochanee went to work, teaching elementary school at Fannin Elementary, but only stayed there for 3 years. That’s when she started the job she loved the most, being a mom and a homemaker. Ochanee loved to work in her garden and she always had the prettiest yard on the street, full of flowers and birds. Later, that yard would be full of grandchildren, whom she would gladly keep anytime asked. She was very influential in their lives played a big role in their upbringing.

Ochanee, Tom and their family are faithful members at the Hamby Church of Christ. Ochanee was a Sunday school teacher for many years and loved telling the children about Jesus.

Ochanee was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bessie Fay Mims. She is survived by her husband Tom of Abilene, son Tommy and his wife, Tawn of Abilene and daughter Georgan Roberson and her husband Chuck of Abilene; sister Kathy Davis and her husband Bill of Abilene; grandchildren Pierce and Amanda Carpenter, Paige Carpenter, Cole Roberson and his fiancé, Lauren Davis, and Katie Roberson and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donation in Ochanee’s name be made to Hendrick Hospice and Abilene Christian Schools. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.