Ollin Jeanette Carpenter

Ollin Jeanette Carpenter was born on September 27, 1963 to the late Mary Evelyn Turner Carpenter and Ollin Starling. Lovingly known to friends as “Shorty” and “Olive Oil.” She departed this life in the evening on September 10, 2019. After a lengthy battle with cancer.

A native of Kilgore, Texas, she was a member of the graduating class of 1982 from Kilgore High School where she was a member of the band, FHA, and Junior Achievement. She went on to attend Kilgore College and obtained an associate degree in business.

She then went on to continue her education at TWU in Denton, TX. She returned to East Texas where she eventually met and married LaVante’ Dunn and to this union three children were born.

Jeanette was eventually employed by Kilgore College Book Store for numerous years. She went to work at Atwood’s where you could be in the presence of her bubbly personality and infectious smile. She never met a stranger.

Jeanette went on to work for Community Actions as a caseworker until her health started failing.

She had a strong faith in God. She united with the Macedonia Baptist Church at an early age where she sang in the youth choir and served on the Junior Usher Board. She later united with the Fredonia Baptist Church under Christian experience.

Jeanette’s faith and Christianity then led her to unite with Post Oak Baptist Church. She was a member of the Gospel choir and chaired the culinary committee. She served in these capacities until her health and body would not allow.

Even though she was sick, not feeling good, hurting, or just didn’t think she could go, she attended church to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior. She pushed her way through.

She is preceded in death by her mother Mary E. Carpenter Hunt, grandfather Jim Bell Sr., grandmother Abie Jones, great-grandmother Mattie Clayborn Hardy, uncle Sammy Jones, uncle Earnest Lee Jackson, aunt Mae D. Waldon, stepfather Jimmy L. Hunt, sister Melonie Holmes-Parker, brother in law Sylvester Conrod, nephew Curtis Dixon Jr., and Rueben Carpenter.

She leaves to cherish her memories her father Ollin Starling, three children LaMontrel Dunn, Janel Dunn, and Jeanine Dunn, grandsons Lamarion Dunn and Major Dunn; sisters Barbara Ann Conrod, Patricia Brager (Geno), Karen Fuller (Fred), Candace Johnson (Vaughn), Christina Starling, William Starling (Taletha), a special sister and friend Joyce Polley Toliver (Gary).

Some very special friends in Jeanette’s life were: Hosley Brown, Sonya Carter, Margaret Washington, Faye Holland, college roommates Karla of Dallas, TX and Terry Bradley of Houston, TX., La Nell Turner of Rowlett, TX., Stanley Roberson of Kilgore, TX. Some very special sister in laws the Brown Family of Overton, TX and one brother in law Geno Brager. She loved her pastor and wife Rev. Washington and First Lady Washington. Last but not least (Big Pops) Robert Morgan Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Click to download Ollin Jeanette Carpenter's Program