Dr. Catherine Jean Carpenter Thiele

Dr. Catherine Jean Carpenter Thiele, a courageous lifelong learner and master encourager, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, at the age of 96. Known for her steadfast faith, her unshakable optimism, and her devotion to family and friends, Catherine lived what she described as “a wonderful life full of service to others as a pastor’s wife.” Her warmth, wisdom, and tireless encouragement blessed not only her family, but also countless students, church members, and friends throughout her life.

Born on August 26, 1929, in Lucien, Mississippi, Catherine was the youngest child of Melvin Randolph Carpenter and Ruth Neel Carpenter. She grew up in Hancock, Maryland, and Marietta, Ohio, and studied at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the University of Southern Mississippi before graduating from Mississippi College. She went on to earn a Master’s degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where she met Dr. William Edward “Ed” Thiele. The two were married in 1955, beginning a partnership that lasted more than 70 years.

Together, Ed and Catherine served congregations at First Baptist Church in Waxahachie, Texas; Woodland Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas; Easthaven Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi; and Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas. Catherine embraced the life of a pastor’s wife with grace and joy, creating a home marked by hospitality, prayer, and encouragement.

After raising her children, Catherine pursued new professional callings in teaching, real estate, and counseling. She earned her Doctorate in Psychology and Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where she later directed the Testing and Counseling Center while Ed served as Chair of Discipleship. Her work reflected her compassion and her deep commitment to helping others through times of struggle and growth.

Catherine is survived by her devoted husband Ed; her children William (Carol), Roger (Kay), Elizabeth Rogers (Jason), and James (Jenny); nine grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings Melvin Randolph Carpenter Jr., Dr. William “Bill” Carpenter, Sarah Carpenter Rowe, and Mary Frances “Fran” Carpenter Gandy.

Those who knew Catherine will remember her love for her Savior, her lifelong hunger to learn, and her gentle but steady words of encouragement. Throughout their marriage, she inspired poems and songs from Ed, treasured expressions of their love and shared devotion to God. Her life was a reflection of the mercies and grace she found in her Savior, and her legacy endures in the lives of those she loved and served.

A funeral service will be held at Clearview Baptist Church in Franklin on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the “Wanda Gregg Women’s Auxiliary Scholarship” at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Donations may be given online at www.nobts.edu/donate or by check, payable to NOBTS, and mailed to the Office for Institutional Advancement, 3939 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126.