Martha Dray Carpenter
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CHESTER - Martha Dray Carpenter, 79 of Alba Ave. Chester, died on Sunday Sept. 20, 2009 at Stone Pear Pavilion at Fox Crest following an extended illness.
A daughter of the late Harold and Kathryn Clements Dray, Martha was born on Feb. 17, 1930 in East Liverpool.
A member of the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association, she graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1947 where she was active in the music program. She was also active in several community chorale groups.
She was employed in several small potteries where she did hand painting. She also worked at YELP Trucking as a book keeper, and Don Eckert Camera Mart.
She gave generously of her time as a volunteer at East Liverpool City Hospital where she also served on the Chaplains committee. She had also volunteered at the Fox's Nursing Home.
She was a member of the Chester Church of the Nazarene where she served in many capacities including Sunday School Board, Teacher, Sunday School Secretary, Church Board, secretary, decorating committee, music committee, and choir member, director of the children's choir, soloist, and Nazarene Women's Mission Service treasurer.
Besides her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband Ralph D. Carpenter, whom she married on Feb. 16, 1949, and who died on June 24, 1985. Three brothers, Homer, Elmer, and Robert Dray also preceded her in death.
Survivors include her sisters, Jean Smiley formerly of Mechanicstown and now of Chester, Mary Wilson of East Liverpool, Pauline Childs of Medina, Ohio; and Barbara (William) Nutt of North Canton, a sister-in-law Norma Carpenter of Chester, and one brother, Byron (Jackie) Dray of Calcutta.
Pastor Steve Cummings of the Church will conduct services at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Chester Church of the Nazarene. Friends may call at the Arner Funeral Chapel from 5-8 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at the church on Tuesday . Interment will follow the services at Riverview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent the Chester Church of the Nazarene at 205 Third St. Chester, WV. 26034. E-mails of condolence may be sent to arnerfc@arnerfuneralchapel.com.
