ROCKY MOUNT - Melva Turner Carpenter, age 84, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026. She was born on October 15, 1941 in Edgecombe County to Jake and Pauline Jones Turner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Lee Roy Turner, Pauline Joyner, Earl Turner, Billy Turner, Peggy Ellison, Freddie Turner and Betty Crooker; and son-in-law, James Mixon.

She is survived by her daughters, Donnie "Donna" Leonard Mixon and Jean Leonard Pittman (Lindy), all of Rocky Mount; brother, Ray Turner (Denise) of Pinetops; sister, Rose Marie Carroll of Rocky Mount; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her nieces, nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on February 11, 2026 at Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, 8444 Town Creek Road, Rocky Mount. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3 p.m.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, 8444 Town Creek Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.