Gina Carpenter

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Gina "Gigi" Carpenter, 61, stepped into the gates of Heaven. Born on March 24, 1964, in Hayti, Missouri, to the late Tom and Shelba Berry, Gina was a beloved wife, mom, Gigi, sister, aunt, and friend.

Gina graduated from Piggott High School in 1982 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arkansas State University. She later received a Masters in Psychology from Grand Canyon University and furthered her education at Cairn University, obtaining her Master's Degree as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Gina saw her career as a ministry, pouring her heart into helping children, serving families and precepting new BCBA's as she worked at Arrows Behavior Therapy & Consulting.

In 1983, Gina married the love of her life, Steve Carpenter. For 42 years they shared love, laughter, family, and most importantly faith. Gina was not only a devoted wife, she was a wonderful mom to Ryan Carpenter and Nikki Smith. Her favorite title was "Gigi" to all of her grandkids, a title she embraced with great pride, welcoming not only her grandchildren but also their friends into her heart.

A faithful member of The Crossing Church, Gina joyfully served in ministry, particularly within the children's and youth programs and decades of service at Camp Allen Youth Camp. Her deep love for mentoring and younger generations was evident in all she did, inspiring countless lives along the way. An avid traveler and a passionate reader, especially her extensive collection of Christian romance novels, she enjoyed every story while staying strong in her faith.

Gina's life was all about loving Jesus and loving people. She left a mark on everyone who knew her: family, friends, coworkers, and her church family.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Carpenter; son, Ryan (Emily) Carpenter; daughter, Nikki (Jason) Smith; grandchildren, Cash and Carly Ryan Carpenter, and Clayton, Breanna, Shelba, and Liliana Smith; sisters, Dena (Treg) Bedwell and Heather (Chris) Johnson; brother, Mark (Sylvie) Berry; nephews and nieces, Caleb Binkley, Ashleigh (Tommy) Steward, Emily Berry, Marianne Berry, Levi Berry, Waylon Johnson, and Bethany Johnson; and her faithful miniature poodle, Reynolds.

Gina was preceded in death by her parents, Tom "Tink" and Shelba Berry; infant brother, Michael Berry; and Lucy Berry, better known as her "Mimi".

In celebration of Gina's life and legacy, a visitation will be Monday, September 22, 2025, from 11 AM until 1 PM at The Crossing Church in downtown Paragould. The celebration service will begin at 1 PM with Pastor Jared Pickney and Rev. Kenny Burns officiating. Burial will follow in Mitchell Cemetery in Greenway. Pallbearers will be Matt Mobley, Matt Wesley, Eric Coble, Luke Moore, Andy Runyan, and Jason Wolfenbarger. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brian Brown, Lance Mabrey, Tommy Steward, Brandon Treat, Ty Sims, Ryan Mason, Loyd Dunn, and Troy Vaughn. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Ag for Autism, 3000 Prosperity Dr A, Jonesboro, AR 72404 in her honor.

Gina's spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. We invite all who knew Gina to join us in celebrating her remarkable life and the joy she brought to so many.