Leola Carpenter-Walker

Leola Carpenter Walker, age 89, peacefully passed away on August 7, 2025, at St. Anne's Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. Born on July 21, 1936, in Belzoni, Mississippi, she was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Leola was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond and Katie (Owens) Carpenter; her son, Cornelius Carpenter; her brothers, Coolidge, Edmond "Eli," Isaac, Robert, Clinton, Sunny Boy, Wadell, and Willie Carpenter; and her sisters, Flora Ballard, Odester Buford, and Katie Belmon.

She is survived by her children Doris Carpenter, Debra Carpenter, Jack Walker Jr., and Felicia (Ervin) Mitchell; her daughter-in-love, Carolyn Henry; her many grandchildren, including Dionne (Shawn) Rowlett, Donnie Carpenter, Nekisha Carpenter, Cornelius Carpenter-Henry, Martina Carpenter, Victor Belcher, Latisha Belcher, Curtis (Janee) Carpenter, Kristina Parker, James Hayes, Jack Walker III, Elisha Mitchell, Jeremiah Walker, Trey Walker, and Donovan Walker; along with 47 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brothers and sisters, Davie (Ora) Carpenter, Lillie Gaye Gibson, Lillie Mae Edmond, and Carolyn Carpenter; sister-in-law Jeanette Carpenter; as well as a host of nieces, nephews; special nieces and nephew Rosetta Jones, Mary Knowles, Lois Jean Barringer, and Milton Carpenter; godson Roosevelt Pope; and long-time friends Delores Lothery and Leora Gray.

Leola loved her family deeply and dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for others. She graduated from trade school for seamstress work and was a foster parent for 27 years, making a difference in many lives. She owned and operated Walker’s Corner, a candy store cherished by the neighborhood, where she was affectionately known as "Granny." A woman of many talents, Leola was a skilled seamstress, artist, builder, and cook. She often humbly said, “A Jack of All Trades, but a Master of None.”

Leola was a respected and loved member of Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church and was known in her community for her kindness, strength, and resilience.

She will be dearly missed but forever remembered for her love, her talents, and her unwavering spirit.

Friends will be received at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, Ohio on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. A second viewing will be held at 10 am on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 640 Indiana Ave, Toledo, OH 43604 with funeral services following. Interment will be at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, 4210 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43606.

Rest in peace, Leola — a truly remarkable woman.