Obituary for Jack Dempsey Carpenter

Jack Dempsey Carpenter, age 95 of Murphy, NC passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Jack grew up in Robbinsville, NC. Having lost both parents at a young age, Henry and Cordilia Stewart Carpenter, he made his way to the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown in the late 1940s as a student. Jack walked and hitchhiked the long road from Robbinsville to Brasstown, he remarked, "You could go for half a day on the road and never see a vehicle."

At the Folk School, Jack began a carving class taught by Murray Martin. He lived on campus, where the community quickly became family. Among those who cared for him, he remembered Eva Mae Hensley with special fondness, as she looked after him and made sure he had meals.

Determined and resourceful, Jack raised a small tobacco crop, earning $150 to buy his first car, a 1946 Ford. During the day he took carving classes, and in the evenings, he could often be found in the woodworking shop, where he learned to cut the blocks (blanks) for carvers. In the early 1950s, Jack was hired by the Folk School to cut out blocks, a role he continued faithfully until his retirement on August 22, 2011.

Over time, Jack's artistry expanded. He began crafting wooden trays, which became highly sought after for their beauty and craftsmanship. He shared his work at Heritage Day at Western Carolina University, the Folk School Fall Festival, and beyond - where people would seek him out year after year to add to their collections.

It was at the FolK School that Jack met the love of his life, Mary Lou Kirkland. They married in 1959, and together they built their life first living in the Tower House and later in the Mill House both at the Folk School where they welcomed their daughters, Annette and Jacki.

Jack will be remembered for his warm smile, gentle teasing, and quiet spirit. As one grandchild once said, "When Papaw talks, you listen." His grandchildren were the love of his life and always could put a smile on Papaw's face. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Fletcher and George Carpenter; and one sister, Maggie Carpenter.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Lou; daughters, Annette Shook (Charles) and Jacki Stockton (Russell) both of Brasstown; grandchildren, Aneka James, Aleah Woodall, Damon Shook, Erika Simmons, Luke Thigpen, Ethan, Kiley, Kiera, Rose, Joshua, and Hannah Stockton; 13 great grandchildren; one special great granddaughter, Landry; one brother, Frank Carpenter; and one special nephew, Ozell Carpenter.

Funeral Services will be held at 5 pm, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Little Brasstown Baptist Church. Rev. Aud Brown will officiate. Music will be provided by his granddaughter, Erika Simmons. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Luke Thigpen, Damon Shook, Wyatt James, Ethan Stockton, Andy James, Jason Simmons, Daniel Woodall and EJ Peacock. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons at Little Brasstown Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 3 pm to 5 pm, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the Little Brasstown Baptist Church.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com