Memorials › Mary Virginia “JuJu” Carrington Carpenter

Mary Virginia “JuJu” Carrington Carpenter

29 Jul 1933 – 11 Dec 2025

Birth	29 Jul 1933
Death	11 Dec 2025
Cemetery	Yates Center Cemetery Yates Center , Woodson County , Kansas , USA
Added by	Shirley Hart Dillingham on 17 Dec 2025
FaG	https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/290850072

Bio

Virginia "JuJu" Carpenter July 29, 1933 - December 11, 2025 Downs Funeral Home Mary Virginia "JuJu" Carpenter, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and legendary rose grower, was born on July 29, 1933, to Maxie G. Carrington and Virginia Lee Kuykendall Carrington. She lived a life filled with beauty, dedication, and quiet grace, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her. Virginia devoted 30 years of faithful service to The First National Bank, where she built a career marked by commitment and integrity before retiring. Yet, when her workday ended, she joyfully stepped into what she lovingly referred to as her "other full-time job" caring for her 250 roses, which she fondly called her children. Her passion for roses began in childhood, nurtured by time spent gardening alongside her mother. That early love blossomed into a lifelong devotion. As an adult, Virginia traveled extensively throughout the United States and to other countries, sharing her knowledge and deep appreciation for roses. She became a nationally recognized rose judge, officiating at conventions across the country, and entered her own roses into countless shows, earning Best of Show honors and hundreds of blue ribbons and awards. Virginia's first rose show was in 1976 in Shreveport, Louisiana, where she won the Novice Trophy, an achievement she often said gave her "rose fever." For her, however, growing roses was never about competition. She found peace and joy in watering, feeding, and tending to them, savoring their beauty and fragrance as her greatest reward. Her impact on the rose world was profound. More than 50 years ago, the American Rose Center in Greenwood, Louisiana, was built in large part due to her influence and dedication. She also founded Christmas in Roseland in Greenwood, sharing her love of roses and beauty with the broader community. Her passion was rooted in a simple desire for everyone to see and appreciate the beauty of roses. Among her many honors, Virginia was especially proud to have a national rose named after her the JuJu Rose. Those closest to her lovingly called her "JuJu," a name that reflected her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit. While her accolades were many, Virginia often said that the friendships she formed with fellow rose growers meant more to her than any ribbon or trophy. Virginia is survived by her daughter, Sherrie Turlington; several grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. She was also blessed with the loving friendship of Angela and Kelly Person, who cared for her for many years. She shared a special bond with Kylie Grace Person, who was like a granddaughter to her. Virginia cherished watching Kylie play, and they spent many joyful hours together laughing. Virginia and Angela spent time together reminiscing about Virginia's childhood and sharing stories. Virginia also lovingly passed down her knowledge of rose growing to Angela and Kelly, a gift that they will treasure for a lifetime. She deeply loved her cat, Fluffy, who brought her constant companionship. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Juanita Fenton and Lona "Sister" Farnham. She will be remembered as a beautiful soul gentle, passionate, generous with her knowledge, and rich in love for others. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. If she were to leave one final message, it would be this: Spend time with your loved ones, do what you enjoy, what makes you happy, and enjoy life to the fullest. Mary Virginia Carpenter's life was one of love, beauty, and purpose, her legacy will continue to bloom forever. A family service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Yates Memorial Cemetery. Texas, U.S., Birth Index, 1903-1997 (Ancestry.com) Name Mary Virginia Carrington Gender Female Birth Date 29 Jul 1933 Birth Place Harrison, Texas, USA Father M G Carrington Mother Mary Lee Carrington Roll number 1933_0002

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