Madge Carmichael

Burlington Mrs. Madge Carpenter Carmichael died peacefully on December 20, 2012 after a lengthy illness. She was born in 1926 to Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Carpenter of Durham and was raised in the Lowe's Grove Community in Durham County. Always knowing she wanted to teach, she attended Appalachian State Teacher's College, Duke University and Elon College, earning her degree in Elementary Education while minoring in Psychology and Library Science. After serving as a Children's Librarian and as the first head mistress of Burlington Day School. She taught in the Burlington Public School System for 20 years. From a very early age she exhibited a love of music, singing in the Durham Children's Choir and later in the Duke Chapel Choir. In addition to her love of singing, she enjoyed playing piano and organ. Madge had an affinity for writing, was a published author and member of the International Poetry Society. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Burlington and the Friendship Group there. She was also a member of the Retired School Personnel, the NEA, the NCEA, the National Math Society, the Association of University Women, and the National Society of Notaries. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Clifford Carmichael, Jr. Additionally, Madge was predeceased by sisters and spouses Virginia Carpenter Church Conley W. Church, Lily Carpenter Huss Rev. H.O. Huss, Rev. Myrtle Carpenter Barnwell Rev. R.J. Barnwell, Elsie Carpenter Barden H.D. Barden, Cleo Carpenter Simmons T.V. Simmons, and Polly Carpenter McLauchlin D.A. McLauchlin. She was also predeceased by brothers, Stephen Thomas Carpenter and William Lester Carpenter. Madge is survived by daughter Cathy Dea Carmichael, son Clifford Thomas Carmichael, daughter-in-law Lynne Nicks Carmichael, grandson Duncan Thomas Carmichael, and a number of nieces, nephews and very good friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Burlington or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell. A memorial service will be held 2:00pm Saturday, January 5, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church in Burlington. Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Carmichael family.