HELEN (REDDING) CARTER

Jan. 21, 1932 - March 7, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Helen M. Carter, 80, beloved and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, departed this life on March 7, 2012, at 8:23 p.m. Although diagnosed with cancer, she persevered through her medical challenges with a spiritual tenacity that inspired those around her. Helen accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior in 1993, encouraging her to live a rich, vibrant, spirit-filled life. Helen was born to the union of James Redding and Josephine Taylor Redding on January 21st, 1932. She came from a large family of four sisters and four brothers.

She was a lifelong native of South Bend, attended Perley and Jefferson School, and graduated from Central High School.

In 1954 Helen married Booker T. Carter, aka "B.K." It was to be a long, enduring marriage of 48 years that nurtured 3 loving daughters, provided a lifetime of fun-filled memories, and illustrated a consistent theme of family unity. Helen exhibited so many wonderful qualities. She was a sassy, fun-loving, hard-laughing, generous, loyal, industrious woman who loved her family and loved the Lord. When you came to her home, you were always made welcome with good music and good food, with a few good laughs sure to follow. When she and B.K. had a party at their home, all the family -- sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends came en masse, assured of having a blast. The music and dancing would last for hours! Helen took pride in her lawn and groomed a beautiful display of ruby-red geraniums, hung in baskets, around the perimeter of her wooden privacy fence.

During the 1960s, when opportunities for people of color presented themselves, Helen decided to return to school. With B.K.'s support, Helen completed data-entry training and helped move their family comfortably into a two-income family status; along the way, she provided a very positive role model for her girls, illustrating the benefits of hard work and education. Helen loved Christmas time! She made Christmas such a loving, festive season with Christmas lights throughout the house, ceiling-high Christmas trees, and special Christmas pajamas for all the kids and later grandkids, as a holiday tradition. Helen was a true mother bear when it came to her daughters. She was protective and loving. When she looked at them with such positive regard and supported their interests, she made them feel so special.

After exhausting all options, her middle daughter, Kim, diagnosed with Alzheimer's, had to be placed in a nursing home. Helen visited Kim daily and nurtured her tirelessly until the Lord called Kim home. She would do anything for them. However, she did not entertain fools lightly; if they made a serious misstep, they were told, and they were expected to listen! Helen's church family often felt the outpouring of her love as well. She would exhibit her love with her delectable chicken and dressing dishes, a spontaneous, big-loving hug, or perhaps the surprise gift of a beautiful Easter garment for a cute little church member. She would display her love for the Lord by playing the piano, by lifting her voice in song, or perhaps by offering a joyful, holy dance! Helen truly lived a vibrant life and she did it her way.

She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Harrison & Gayle (John) Wilson; granddaughter, DeBorah Wilson; grandsons, Jason Harrison, John Wilson Jr., Carter Wilson & Ryan Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Tyrese, Ryan and Ryiah. Helen is also survived by her sisters, Gertrude Ewing and Katherine Drye; sisters-in-law, Florence Ross and Frances Carter; along with two brothers, James and Thomas Redding.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Booker Carter; and daughters, Kim and Michelle Carter.

The family would like to offer its most sincere appreciation to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care. Thank you for your caring support and competent care. Visitation will be today, March 11, 2012, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Alford's Mortuary, 1222 Napier Street. Home Going Services will be on Monday, March 12, 2012, at 12:00 P.M. at Greater St. Matthew, 2507 Marquette Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where messages of condolence may be e-mailed to Alfordsmortuary@att.net, c/o the Carter family.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Mar. 10 to Mar. 11, 2012.

01/11/2023 EJS