Roma Fay Johnson Carper

Roma Fay Johnson Carper
01/24/2026
After a long life of service and care for others, Roma Fay Johnson Carper passed away peacefully January 24, reunited with her beloved husband, Dan. Born in 1933 in Austin, Texas, where she lived most of her life, she was proud of her East Austin roots and attended Metz Elementary, Allan Jr. High and Austin High School.

She attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, where she met Dan. Singing in the choir, being a part of the Independents, making lifelong friendships, and earning her social work degree were some of her most cherished memories.

Soon after college, Roma and Dan settled in north Austin, where they raised two daughters and lived for more than 60 years. They joined Crestview United Methodist Church, where Roma was active in the choir, UMW, and her book group. She led Thursday Fellowship and through the UMW, was instrumental in the development and support of The Friendship Center in Montopolis.

Roma was an avid reader and believed in the importance of literacy. She read voraciously herself, provided her daughters with an endless supply of books, and also helped to establish RIF (Reading is Fundamental) in Austin.

Later in her career, Roma focused on working with seniors. She coordinated the Senior Tuesday program at First Southern Presbyterian and brought those ideas to Thursday Fellowship at Crestview. She visited many seniors in care facilities throughout Austin in an effort to enrich their experiences. She ended her career in 1998 at the office of Consumer Credit Counseling, a department of Child and Family Services.

Roma was often on the go, mostly looking after others, including her parents in their later years. She also enjoyed birdwatching, family genealogy research, visiting family, and sightseeing.

Roma is survived by daughters, Joan (Bruce) Baker and Jennifer Fernandes, grandchildren Rebecca Baker (Bobby Syvertson) and Daniel Fernandes, along with Alex Baker (Jennifer) and Martha Baker Dry (Joel) and their children. She is also survived by many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Roma was predeceased by husband Dan H. Carper. She was also predeceased by parents, Walter William Johnson and Ellen Corinne Caffey Johnson, brothers Walter W. Johnson, Jr. and Harry D. Johnson and sisters Doris M. Johnson Whitman and Norma V.R. Johnson Pavlu.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Roma's name to BookSpring (formerly RIF of Austin) at BookSpring.org.