Jerry Carpenter grew up in Lawton , OK , and moved to Stillwater to attend Oklahoma State University after graduating from Lawton High . During his time at Oklahoma State , he met Stillwater High School graduate , Suzanne Fenton , in the late 1950 ’ s .
Suzanne ’ s Stillwater roots ran deep . Suzanne ’ s father Dale and mother Marguerite , opened Fenton Office Supply in 1941 , at 809 S . Main St in downtown Stillwater , where all three worked during Suzanne ’ s childhood . Jerry and Suzanne married after college and moved to Denver , CO , where Jerry accepted a sales job . In 1967 , Jerry and Suzanne moved back to Stillwater to work at the family business , and eventually bought Fenton ’ s . Jerry saw a vision to expand the business from office supplies to include office furniture , growing their customer base and sales area . This was also an opportunity for the local business to create jobs and careers for many people , who subsequently became part of the “ Fenton ’ s Family ”.
Jerry was a visionary . Most of his life was focused on seeing a need , and fulfilling it . Alongside Fenton ’ s , he also started a real estate development company with other partners in 1991 and developed many of Stillwater ’ s neighborhoods that are still standing today , such as Westbrook Estates , Brooke Hollow , Crosswinds , Pecan Hill , Deer Crossing , and more .
Jerry continued his small business spirit by opening Carpenter Insurance in 1998 , where he was able to continue his love of connecting people and fulfilling customer ’ s needs , while also continuing to help the Stillwater community grow through business expansion .
He was an investor . His entrepreneurial spirit led him to invest in real estate and businesses , but more importantly in the people around him . He often created jobs for people who may otherwise not have one . He was passionate about second chances and believed every person deserved to live an abundant life .
Aside from all of his business ventures , Jerry , also known as Pops , had a heart for the greater Stillwater community . He was influential in bringing Big Brothers Big Sisters to Stillwater , creating the annual Christmas Dinner for those less fortunate , and was a huge supporter of the YMCA . He always saw the big picture and when met with a problem his famous line was “ we can take care of that .”
Another passion of the Carpenter ’ s was First United Methodist Church . Jerry played a significant role in FUMC ’ s Family Life Center . He believed there was a need for families , kids , and church goers to have a space to spend time together building relationships .
Jerry and Suzanne were lifelong Oklahoma State fans . You could always find them in orange supporting the cowboys even outside of game day . Their house was open to numerous athletes , having them over for dinner to give them a sense of community while away at school .
Behind Jerry ’ s ideas and adventures was always Suzanne , also known as Momo or Mama C . Momo was witty and artistic , she would draw caricatures of people and was able to put personalities onto paper . She was a musician who played the ukulele . But overall Momo was a mother to all . She left each person she met better than how she found them . She was humble and selfless and likely would have hated the idea of this recognition .
She spent most of her 80 plus years involved with Fenton ’ s . She followed her father ’ s footsteps doing Mobile Meals for thirty plus years .
Suzanne was servant-hearted and looked for ways to make Stillwater a better place . She created a fundraiser for the Mission of Hope that still continues today . She went out of her way to help families facing hardship . She contacted DHS to pinpoint people in need that she could help . She would feed those families , she made sure the kids got to school , and ensured that they would have Christmas presents .
Momo was constantly looking for ways to help , and she was determined to teach her children and grandchildren to embrace being involved as well . One of the Carpenter family ’ s greatest traditions was Christmas caroling . All the kids and grandkids would load up in Christmas attire to visit nursing homes , shut-ins , and more as they sang carols alongside Momo and her ukulele .
Suzanne had a real soft spot for the special needs community . She could often be found leading music at MPower or FUMC ’ s Faith Class . Later in life she partnered with a group of women known as the E-angels who secretly met the needs of families in our community .
Momo was known for her storytelling and she consistently brought happiness wherever she went . She had friends from all circles ; her Theta sisters , bridge club , Bible Study , her neighborhood and more .
Most importantly , Momo was a gatherer . She was committed to her family and keeping them together . Each of her children and grandchildren felt as though they were her favorite because she had the ability to make everyone feel special . The door to her home was always open and she consistently fostered a spirit of inclusivity .
Momo and Pops were a perfect match . Pops was full of ideas and visions and Momo was always willing to do the groundwork . They believed they were put on Earth to make a difference , and they did .
Jerry and Suzanne Carpenter ’ s legacy is one of a kind . They chose to invest in our town and in our people and asked for nothing in return . They were small business owners , entrepreneurs , servants , and leaders . Their love of Stillwater continues through their three children ; Terry ( Pam ) Carpenter , Cheryl Carpenter Martin , and Steve ( Tricia ) Carpenter . That love of community also continues through their seven grandchildren ; Luke , Joshua ( Marcy ), Sarah , Rachel , Adam , Jacob , and Kate .
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COMMERCE | 2023 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce