Jeanette Carpenter Ham

Jeanette Carpenter Ham, 86, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7, 2025. Born in West Jefferson, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Lyde David Carpenter and Minnie (Hamm) Carpenter, and the devoted wife of the late Dean Ham.

A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Jeanette lived a life rooted in kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—solving word puzzles, reading, cooking, watching her “stories,” and cheering on the Orioles. In her younger years, she loved to bowl and took great pride in tending her garden. But her greatest happiness came from time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially rooting for them from the sidelines at their games.

In addition to her husband and parents, Jeanette was preceded in death by her four brothers, two sisters, and her grandson, Jason Ham.

She is survived by her beloved children: Judy (James) Miller, Jerry (Sandy) Ham, and Barry (Kim) Ham; her grandchildren: Sean (Erin) Ham, Lea Ham, Logan Ham, Kaitlyn Fuller, and Wesley Welty; and her great-grandchildren: Tyler Ham, A.J. Wagner, Alyssa Ham, Malachi Ham, Isabella Kramer, Jase Ham, and Wren Welty. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Shirley Calhoun, and her brother, Alan Carpenter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in her honor.