Judy Fay Nickens Carpenter

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.' Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31:10-31. A resident of Prairieville and a retired teacher with the Ascension Parish school system, she passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 13, 2009. She was 67 and a native of Galvez. Visiting at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, on Wednesday, July 15, was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting will resume at the funeral home on Thursday from 9 a.m. until services in the chapel at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Leon Carpenter. Interment in Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Galvez. Survived by her husband of 42 years, Cally Carpenter Jr.; three sons, Cally Carpenter III and wife Kathy, Neil Carpenter and wife Heather, and Jonathan Carpenter; four grandchildren, James "Matt" Matthew Carpenter, Cameron Paul Carpenter, Jake Aaron Carpenter and Charlotte Marie Carpenter; and aunts, Lillie Carson, Stella May and Lois Causey. Preceded in death by her parents, Vennie and Evelyn Mire Nickens; brother, V.J. Nickens; and infant sister, Joyce Marie Nickens. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, painting, quilting and playing Scrabble. She was loved by all who knew her and is going to be truly missed. Pallbearers will be Matt Carpenter, Jeremy Watson, Cody Davis, Joey Davis, Barry Causey and Joel Lavigne. Honorary pallbearers are Neil Carpenter and Cameron Carpenter.