Laila Dean (Johnson) Carpenter

Laila Dean (Johnson) Carpenter, daughter of Merel Jay and Debra Jean (Haas) Johnson, was born September 12, 1979 in Fort Knox, Kentucky. Due to Laila’s dad being in the military, the family moved several times and they were transferred to Fort Leonard Wood where Laila finished high school and graduated in 1998. After graduating from high school, she continued her education at Columbia College and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Laila enjoyed life and her main priority were the children that she was blessed with: Candra Carol Johnson, Timothy Howard Carpenter III and Anthony Jay Carpenter. She would do anything for them and worked very hard to provide for them. In her spare time, Laila enjoyed bowling and spending time with family and friends. Laila passed away Monday, July 15, 2013 having attained the age of 33 years, 10 months and 3 days. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Laila leaves to cherish her memory three children: Candra Carol Johnson, Timothy Howard Carpenter and Anthony Jay Carpenter, all of St. Robert; her parents: Merel and Debra Johnson of St. Robert; one brother: Eric Anthony Johnson of Lawton, OK; grandmothers: Tessa (Nana) Helehn Haas and Julie Dean Dobry; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, other relatives and a host of friends. Laila was preceded in death by her grandfathers: Dr. Harold E. Haas and Hubert John Dobry; and one cousin: Grant G. Lechtenberg. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013 in the Waynesville United Methodist Church with Pastor Bill O’Neal officiating. The songs “Agnus Dei”, “My Savior, My God”, “Better is One Day”, “You Never Let Go”, and “I Am Free” were sung by the congregation. The songs “Cinderella” and “Holes in the Floor of Heaven” were played. Serving as escorts were Ian Hatchell, Scott Darby, Gwen Andrewcavage, Adam Lechtenberg, Chris Albertson, Patrick Wadley, Mike Lewis, Mitchell Bland and Terry Smith. Serving as honorary escorts were Solomon Johnson and Kelly Long. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Laila Carpenter and may be left at the funeral home.

Laila Dean (Johnson) Carpenter

September 12, 1979 - July 15, 2013