Imelda Florene Anderson Carper, was escorted home by God’s angels September 27, 2012. She was born on July 12, 1929 in Springfield, Illinois to William and Helen Anderson. “Imy”, as she was affectionately called by her friends, was educated in the Springfield school system and Howard University in Washington, DC.
In 1950, Imelda married Tuskegee Airman George Carper Sr., retired C.E.O. of Carper Casket Company. Their 62-year union produced two children, George III (deceased) and Carole Imelda. Eldest daughter, Jacqueline, by George’s previous marriage, was also welcomed to the family.
Imelda’s civic and professional achievements are numerous. She is a former board member of the Crusade Against Crime, Jr. Kindergarten Monsanto Y.M.C.A. and the Waterman Place Association. An avid supporter of the Phyllis Wheatley Branch of the YWCA, she was their tireless reception chairwoman for the 1983, 1985 and 1987 Biennial Dinners. In 1988 she chaired Wheatley’s Gold Triangle Membership Drive and was a member of their Committee of Administration. Mayor Francis Slay presented her with the “Neighborhood Business of the Year Award” for outstanding business leadership in 2009.
Among her proudest accomplishments was founding the St. Louis chapter of “Drifters” Incorporated in 1956. Other social clubs, she enjoyed were “Just 10”, “Les Bonhommes Couples Club,” “Hollywood Poker”. George and Imelda’s membership with the “Gateway Boat Club” remains legendary among the Bi-State area’s Black Professionals including area based funeral homes where family relationships have been historically established.
She was not only a wonderful housewife and mother, but a seasoned world traveler touring Greece, Japan, China, Europe, Africa, Mexico and other countries too numerous to include.
She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving husband, George Carper, two daughters, Jacqueline and Carole; three grand children, Imelda and Jonathan Smith & Julia (Juji) Johnson-Maynes; one great grandchild Grayson Maynes; one sister- in- law, DeLois Swift and a host of other loving relatives and devoted friends.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent in Imelda’s name to the Phyllis Wheatley Branch of the YWCA, 3801 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63108, Attn: Jeane Vogel
