Glenda Roberts Carpenter

Glenda Mae Roberts Carpenter, 81, born May 8, 1944, in Gastonia, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James G. Roberts and Lillian Cody Smith; her sister, Jean Jenkins; her brother, James Roberts; her sister, Sherry Bell; and her great-granddaughter, Raelynn Troutman.

Glenda is survived by the love of her life, her husband, Michael Carpenter. They were married on Thursday afternoon, November 14, 1963, at exactly 3:40 p.m. — a detail she never let anyone forget — and shared more than 62 devoted years together.

She is also survived by her children: Barry Carpenter; Beth (Ronnie) Richard; Sonja (John) Rodden; and Mandy (Jimmy) Moses; her sisters, Nora (Danny) Stephens and Charlene Roberts; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “MawMaw G” and “GiGi.”

Glenda retired from the Gaston County Department of Social Services, where she faithfully served her community. Retirement simply meant she had more time for her “side quests,” most notably Glenda’s Cakes and Catering. She could decorate a cake free-hand with stunning detail and turn the simplest ingredients — beans and fried potatoes from her mill-village childhood — into meals that tasted like five-star dining. Feeding people was her love language.

A faithful member of Greater Life Ministries, Glenda lived out her faith daily. She prayed fervently for others and showed her devotion not only in words, but in action — through service, kindness, and an open table. From humble beginnings, she built a life marked by devotion, resilience, and generosity. No one ever left her home empty-handed; she insisted you take at least one bag of groceries with you.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her love was steady, practical, and fierce. We never once worried about where she would spend eternity. We are confident her heavenly crown is made of the finest precious metals, adorned with diamonds — and perhaps even a little Kohl’s Cash tucked inside for good measure.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 19 at 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., immediately followed by the funeral service, at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home, 2916 Union Rd., Gastonia, NC 2805 with Pastor Earl Weech and Megan bailey officiating. Burial will be private. Pallbearers will be Johnathon Richard, Miles Tscheiller, Zackary Tscheiller, Pete Miller, Michael Carpenter, Johnathon Rodden, Brock Bailey and Justin Rodden.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Hospice Store in Shelby, VIA Health Partners, or to a charity of your choosing that you feel she would have lovingly supported in her memory.

Glenda’s legacy lives on in every meal shared, every prayer lifted, and every act of quiet generosity. She will be deeply missed until we are reunited again.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com