Lorraine Merrell Carpenter

Lorraine Merrell Carpenter went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022.

She was born on Sept. 11, 1942, to the late Noah B. and Mary Jane Merrell.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, J.C. Merrell, Kenneth Merrell, Donal Merrell and Robert Merrell.

She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Lorraine graduated from Polk County High School and Draughon’s Business College in Knoxville. She worked in business and was also an owner of several small businesses in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving back to Tennessee to be closer to her parents and family. Lorraine’s greatest joy was spending time with family, and she also enjoyed singing, reading, traveling and music.

Survivors include her brother, Noah B. Merrell Jr.; her son, William W. Carpenter; daughter-in-law, Deborah Carpenter; her grandson, William Brandon Carpenter; her stepsons, Stanley R. Carpenter, Steven L. Carpenter and Charles Randy Carpenter; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lorraine’s family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at the Cleveland chapel of Companion Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life service for Lorraine will be held at noon on Saturday at Greasy Creek Baptist Church in Reliance, with visitation prior from 11 a.m. to noon.

She will be laid to rest at Old Fairview Cemetery following the service.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Lorraine or your condolences with her family at her online memorial at www.companionfunerals.com. 

If family or friends would prefer to make a donation, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a tribute to Lorraine Merrell Carpenter (https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076/#!/donation/checkout — this is the direct link for any donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; or visit https://www.lls.org/ (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society general website for more information).