Elizabeth Ware Carpenter

Mrs. Elizabeth Ware Carpenter,47, died Monday, March 28, at Accent Care, Cumming, GA.

A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary of Alpharetta United Methodist Church on Friday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m., with the Rev. Brad Greene officiating.

Beth was a native of Thomson, GA, but had lived in Alpharetta for many years. A graduate of Thomson High School and Bauder College, Beth was a devoted wife and mother. Beth is survived by her husband, Shannon Carpenter, and her daughters Camille (15), Charlotte (10), and Corinne Carpenter (6); her father Kelley Ware; and her brother Jonathan Ware. Survivors also include her aunts, Kathie Mogish and Rebecca Tarver. Beth was preceded in death by her mother, Ann M. Ware.

Beth was never happier than when she was on or near the water with Shannon and their girls – kayaking on north Georgia's rivers, boating on Lake Sinclair, swimming in the surf and walking on the beaches of Hilton Head, Tybee Island, or Destin. These moments were the simple pleasures that Beth enjoyed most, and she instilled in her daughters her lifelong love of the water. She always welcomed these family adventures not just as breaks from routine and as fun outings but even more as opportunities to create memories to last a lifetime. A talented photographer, Beth was most often the one to preserve what were for her golden moments of love and laughter and beauty.

As a stay-at-home mother, Beth was able to devote time to numerous activities involving her daughters. At AFUMC Beth had been actively involved in the church's Vacation Bible School and pre-school and kindergarten programs. Her creativity, energy, and enthusiasm were always evident whether she was helping tweak last-minute VBS decorations or appearing as a very animated Mystery Reader in a pre-school class. At Ocee Elementary School, Beth was a faithful volunteer. From participating in Ocee Field Days to helping coordinate classroom parties to sorting Thursday Papers, Beth served wherever there was a need.

Family and friends alike will always remember Beth for her love of family, her generous spirit, and her commitment to making the most of each day regardless of circumstances. Even more than that, Beth will be remembered as a woman of remarkable courage and resilience.

The family will receive friends in the church narthex from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial gifts be made to Alpharetta First United Methodist Church (notation children's ministry) or to the Longleaf Hospice Foundation of Covington, GA.