Virginia Pauline Carpenter passed away Dec. 7, 2016, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston at the age of 96 years. She was born Aug. 10, 1920, in Flint, Mich., to the late Obed and Pearl Wagster Nowell. She was married to Ernest Carpenter who preceded her in death. She was long time resident of New Madrid, was a homemaker and enjoyed her years living on the  farm. She created a live nativity on the farm that many people enjoyed every Christmas. She grew orchids and established the Corsage Shop in 1962. Virginia and Ernest renovated the Claire Hotel in 1985 where she resided. Through the years she served a president of New Madrid Women's Club, member of the Missionary Baptist Church and LaForge, member of Chamber of Commerce and member of the merchant's organization. She is survived by: two daughters, Charlotte May of St. Louis and Saundra Cope and Ken Cope of New Madrid; one brother, N.J. and Shirley Nowell of New Madrid; grandchildren, Jennifer and Jeff Johnson of St. Louis, Steven and Jodi May of St. Louis, Allison and Mike McHale of Alabama and Jason and Jenny Cope of New Madrid; and great-grandchildren, Lauren Wynn, Andrew Johnson, Matthew Johnson, Michael McHale, Steven McHale, Jamie and Jessica May and Clay and Craig Cope. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill Nowell and Bob Nowell; and one sister, Betty Thompson. Services were conducted today at the Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid with Jimmy Johnson and Eric Mattson officiating. Burial followed in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Bill Haubold, Matthew Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Josh Nowell, Rick Nowell, Russell Riggs and Steven May. - - - Memorial contributions may be made to: Boys Town of Nebraska 14100 Crawford St. Boys Town, NE 68010 or St. Labre Indian School 1000 Tongue River Road Ashland, MT 59003 or St. Jude Children's Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105