Iris (Carpenter) Morphew

Iris Carpenter Morphew, age 99 of West Jefferson, NC passed away April 16, 2023.  Iris was born May 15, 1923 in Wellington, OH, the youngest of the 8 children of Mert L. and Iris Carpenter.  She graduated from Wellington High School where she was a member of the band’s percussion section and attended Milwaukee Downer College.  In Wellington, friends and family knew her as “June” as she was Iris Carpenter Jr.  She married Paul Morphew on September 9, 1943.  They enjoyed 54 years of marriage before Paul died in 1998.

After Paul returned from military service, he and Iris made their home in Detroit, MI where they raised two children.  In Detroit, Iris found her chief joys in home, family, community and church.  She was often seen volunteering at the local schools, and teachers and administrators found in her a friend as well as the parent of students.  She helped with Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops and mentored neighborhood children in activities ranging from music to reading to crocheting.  Her children’s friends were always welcome at her home.  Among their memories is that of friends of various faiths gathered around the kitchen table making Christmas cookies or dying Easter eggs.  She loved music and often burst into song, encouraging others to sing along.

Following Paul’s retirement he and Iris moved to Ashe County in 1981, living on Big Horse Creek Road in Lansing.  Iris moved to West Jefferson in 2008.  There she continued as an active community resident.  A member of Mt. Jefferson Presbyterian Church, she was a member of the choir and hand bell choir, served two terms on the Session, assisted wherever she was needed and regularly attended MJPC’s “Front Porch Jam”.  She volunteered faithfully at the Red Cross Bloodmobile and the Ashe County Public Library.  Those in her neighborhood recall seeing her taking daily walks regardless of the season. Iris was gifted with an encouraging manner and genuine interest in those around her.  Early in life, she adopted a habit of “thinking positively” and by word and example enabled others to do the same.

In addition to her husband, Iris was preceded in death by her parents, five older brothers, Chauncey, Mert, Jim, Derb and Bill Carpenter, two older sisters, Jane Frost and Carloyne Weasner and grandson, Jon Schoenrade.  She is survived by, son, Jim Morphew, daughter, Pat Schoenrade, six grandchildren, Katie Patterson (Nick), P. J. Morphew, Greg Morphew, James Morphew, Abigail Schoenrade and Matthew Schoenrade (Jennifer), five great-grandchildren, Charlotte Iris, Alexis Mae and Gwendolyn Ida Patterson and Xander and Bexley Schoenrade.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.  Iris will be greatly missed by family and friends, but the legacy of her buoyant spirit will touch generations to come.  She lived keenly aware of the blessings she received and daily sought to pass them on to others.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Mt. Jefferson Presbyterian Church by Rev. Will Heyward.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 am till 11:00 am prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mt. Jefferson Presbyterian Church, PO Box 782, West Jefferson, NC  28694.