Booker T. Carter

Jan. 8, 1930 -Aug. 14, 2002

Booker T. Carter, 72, beloved and cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, departed this life at 4:05 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14th, in Memorial Hospital after enduring medical challenges lasting nine months. His acceptance during his illness of Christ as Lord of his life gave him peace to persevere.

He was born on Jan. 8th, 1930, to the union of Frederick Carter and Bessie Tribble in Cornelia, Ga. He was the youngest of 10 children. He moved to South Bend, Ind., when he was 12 years old and attended Linden Elementary and Central High School.

He married Helen M. Redding on Oct. 3, 1954. They parented three daughters together. He was "Papa" to four adoring grandchildren, who will miss him very much. He was respected and adored as the patriarch of a very large and cohesive extended family. B.K., as he was affectionately called, along with his wife lovingly and generously opened their homes and their hearts to a host of sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends over the years. Among the family, it was widely accepted as GREAT FUN to attend the long-held Christmas party traditions at Uncle B.K.s house.

He worked for Bendix, and retired in June 1996 after 48 years of dependable service. After retirement, he and his wife took great delight in simple pleasures. Day trips to area malls, morning outings for quiet breakfasts, coffee shared on the patio in the early morning are memories that punctuated their life. He and his wife most enjoyed going on semi-annual trips, organized by a local seniors group, to different regions of the country and visiting famous landmarks. He was affiliated with Believers Church of God in Christ Church and had a deep affection for its members and a lofty respect for its Pastor and First Lady.

His life was painted in broad strokes by family. He was generous, dependable, loving and quite amusing to those who knew him well. His daughters knew they could depend on dad for anything: unexpected monetary gifts, dinners at the nicest local restaurants, help with unexpected babysitting needs, a gift of flowers. ANYTHING. His wife knew that he would provide for whatever she wanted and would be the voice of reason, if necessary.

His grandchildren knew that a day with Papa would usually bring some candy or a treat and very few Nos. He often would surprise his sisters and sisters-in-law with lilies at Easter and poinsettias at Christmas. A foundation was established in 1986 to strengthen family ties by developing a family newsletter, a birthday mailer, organized literary, volunteer, and social activities, along with monthly meetings. He served as the Carter Fellowship Foundations (CFF) coordinator and recreational director for a number of years.

He is survived by Helen, his wife of nearly 48 years; daughters, Deborah Harrison, Kim Carter and G. Staci Wilson (John); grandchildren, DeBorah Wilson, Jason Harrison, John Wilson III, Carter Wilson and Ryan Wilson; sisters, Mary Lou Williams, Kathleen Clark and Florence Ross, all of South Bend, Ind.; one brother, Thomas (Frances) Carter of South Bend; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, JT, Calvin, Frederick D. and Floyd, sister, Nicie Ann Welch; and by a daughter, Michelle Ann Carter.

Funeral services will be held at noon Monday, Aug. 19th, in Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, with Elder Samuel L. Diggins Sr., pastor of the Believers Church of God in Christ, officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 18, in Alfords Mortuary. Contributions in memory of Booker T. Carter may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Source: Newspapers.com

03/25/2024 EJS