Obituary of Elizabeth Marie Carter

Mother Elizabeth M. (Lewis) Carter, 95, transitioned from earth to glory Friday, October 28, 2022, surrounded by her family. Mother Carter was born December 3, 1926 to Kyser Lewis and Lola Mae (Bell) Lewis in Greenville, Alabama. She was the eighth child of sixteen born to this union. She attended school through Greenville School System, graduating in 1947.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age, uniting with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. She was a faithful member and active in several youth activities and Auxiliaries.

On May 18, 1947, Elizabeth was united in holy matrimony with Bernard E. Carter. They relocated to Albion, MI. the same year. To this union six (6) children were born: Linda, Joyce, Bernice, Sandra, Valerie and Royal Ray.

Mother Carter united with the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, under the Leadership of the late Rev. R.V. Davis. She was active in the church serving as Church Clerk for over twenty (20) years, Sunday School Teacher, Mission #2, Deaconess Board, Trustee, member of the Senior Choir, Founder of the YAA (Young Adult Auxiliary), an integral part of the Kitchen Committee, State President for Mission #2. She was also a lifetime member of the NAACP and served on its Executive Board for many years.

Mother Carter was a dedicated member of Mary Bethune #18, Order of the Eastern Star.

Mother Carter was known for her culinary skills. She could make a meal out of anything and include dessert. Her fried chicken, Macaroni Cheese, Pound Cakes, Homemade Dinner Rolls and Homemade (churned) Ice Cream are legendary. Visitors, known and unknown were offered food, be it Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. You could taste the love in everything she cooked.

She had six (6) biological children but was viewed as a mother by many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Deacon Bernard E. Carter, daughter, Linda H. Estelle, three granddaughters: Dr. Junaia Carter, Dawn Elizabeth Estelle and Stephanie K. Estelle; Grandson, Ivan M. Green. Great Grandson, Trevon Estelle, ten (10) sisters and three (3) brothers.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory and legacy four (4) daughters: Joyce Carter-Bouyer, Bernice Wyrick (James); Sandra Cooper (Gerald); Valerie Barbour (Edwin) all of Albion, MI.; son, Royal Ray Carter, Houston, TX.; son-in-law, Steven Estelle, Maryland; one sister, Vera Simpson, Albion, MI., one brother, Calvin Lewis, Jackson, MI., Seventeen(17) grandchildren; thirty-one (31) great grands , fifteen (15) great, great grands, five (5) Godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.