Terri Lynne Carpenter

Terri Lynne Carpenter, 51, of Starke, Florida, left us on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Terri was born in Lake Wales, Florida on July 16, 1971 to the late William “Bill” Bacon and Sherri Eddings Whitaker.  She grew up in Vero Beach, Florida and graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1989.  After brief stays in Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina, Terri moved to Starke in 1998. To many she was known as Ms. Red due to her vibrant hair.  Others knew her for her love of singing karaoke.  Her voice was rich and deep, which was perfect for belting out the country songs she loved. Her laughter, humor and vivaciousness were contagious.  She had the ability to crack a joke and set a room to ease.  She worked hard and played harder, loved fiercely, and never met a stranger.

Terri is survived by her sons Samuel “Chase” Baucom of Starke and Timothy “TJ” Daren Carpenter, Jr., of Gainesville; her mother and stepfather Sherri (Gene) Whitaker of Lawtey; sister and brother-in-law Marie (Troy) Appling of Starke; her brothers and sisters-in-law Joe (Alicia) Rike of Brooker and Chad (Soledad) Rike of Buford, Georgia. Her delight was taking pictures with her beloved nieces and nephews: Ryan, Ryland, Samantha, Easton, Stella Jo, Davey and Tyler.   She will also be missed by dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Terri was proceeded in death by her stepfather Jim Rike and her brother David Rike. 

The Celebration of Terri’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 18th at 1:00 PM at Keystone Heights Christian Church, at 3528 SE State Road 21, Keystone Heights, FL  32656, with Pastor Buster Appling officiating.  

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