Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 9, 2026.
St. Augustine - Mrs. Jacquelyn McElwee Carpenter (née Marlowe), beloved wife, mother, sister, and
cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, in St. Augustine,
Florida, just weeks before her 90th birthday.
Known to all who loved her simply as "Jackie," she was born on March 28, 1936, in
Gainesville, Georgia, the daughter of Buck and Grace Marlowe. She grew up alongside
her siblings Eddie, Donald, and Judy in a close-knit home that shaped her into the warm,
resilient, and devoted woman she remained throughout her long and beautiful life.
While growing up in the small town of Jefferson, Georgia, Jackie spent more than fifty
years in Athens, where she built a remarkable professional and personal life. After
attending Athens Business College, she began a career in banking, starting as a secretary
and quickly advancing. As a working mother, she balanced family and career with
characteristic energy and determination.
Her daughters' involvement in the 4H Club eventually led Jackie to a position at the
University of Georgia College of Agriculture, which in turn opened the door to a role in
the Dean's Office at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. There she
directed student activities and later served as director of the Extern Admissions program
for students studying abroad. In addition to her work at the university, Jackie also
directed a summer camp program and successfully ran her own ladies' fashion boutique
"IV Seasons" for 23 years.
Jackie shared the final years of her life with her devoted husband, James Carpenter.
Together, Jim and Jackie built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and enduring love
and they enjoyed many happy years. From her first marriage with her childhood
sweetheart James L. McMullan Jr., she welcomed her daughter, Cheri Carter, who
remained a constant source of pride and joy throughout her life with her son-in-law Tom
Carter.
Later in life, Jackie moved to a retirement community in
St. Augustine, Florida, where
she quickly found friendship and community. The residence, now known as Westminster
St. Augustine, became a place she deeply loved and called home.
Jackie is survived by her husband, James Bruce Carpenter; her daughter and son-in-
law, Cheri and Tom Carter of Washington D.C.; her brother, Eddie Marlowe; and Cheri's
father, James L. McMullan Jr.; she is also remembered by many loving children by
marriage, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Buck and
Grace Marlowe; her husbands, Alfred Few "Mac" McElwee and Kenneth Clifford
Grimes; and her siblings, Donald Marlowe and Judy Marlowe Mitchell.
Jackie's gentle spirit, grace, and warm Southern charm touched everyone fortunate
enough to know her. Her memory will be treasured by all who were blessed to share in
her life.
A Graveside Service will be held on her 90th birthday, at 2 pm on March 28, Woodbine
Cemetery, 129 Athens Street, Jefferson GA 30549. May those who loved her find
comfort in the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Herbie Hancock
Institute of Jazz, 5225 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite #605, Washington, DC 20015.
www.hancockinstitute.orgEvans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia. 706-367-5467
Online condolences at
www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com