Lucille Carter

Lucille Jones Carter’s journey through this life began on May 12, 1926, in the Millcreek Community of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She was one of ten children born to William Gilbert and Clara Hughes Jones. Her parents taught her to treat others as one would be treated. She attended school at the Piney Grove Church School for a short time and completed her education at Sparkman Training School. 

Throughout her life, Lucille was known for her elegance and beauty, embodying class in all she did. As a lifelong member of Piney Grove AME Church, she found solace and joy in her faith. Every Sunday she would visit family and friends in the Millcreek community. 

She met and fell in love with Elmer Carter in 1944. Their love blossomed into a fruitful marriage on April 10, 1946. They were married for 67 years until his passing on October 21, 2013. The Lord blessed their union with six healthy children; Audrey, Ava, Freddie, Emmanuel, Betty and Brenda. In 1979 they adopted their granddaughter, Melanie, raising her as their daughter. 

Elmer was a great provider, affording Lucille the benefit of staying home and raising their children. Her home was always neat and clean; often the gathering place for dinners, much laughter and family get-togethers. Her memory was impeccable for her age. Her life was rewarding, full, and blessed.

In 1978, Elmer successfully opened the Fairview Civic and Social Club; commonly known as “Elmer’s” or “Carter Town”. Even with opposition from others in the community, Lucille was always a supportive wife. “Elmer’s” still remains a staple in the community to this day. 

Lucille worked for Dr. David and Janice Stevens. With her nurturing love she helped raise their children Gordon Stevens, Shawn Stevens, Shannon (Felix) Boission de chazournes, Sherry (Kerri) Stevens.

She enjoyed traveling and shopping. Her home was a sanctuary of love and warmth, welcoming all who entered with open arms. As a cherished resident of Cartertown, she was affectionately deemed the crown jewel, a title she carried with humility and kindness.

On Monday, July 29, 2024, at the age of 98 she slept peacefully into the Lord’s embrace. 

She was preceded in her passing by her parents, her husband Elmer Carter (October 21, 2013); her daughter, Betty Ann Carter Nelson (December 11, 2018) and her granddaughter, Chenee’ Lynette Carter (June 24, 2002) ; her brothers and sisters Jessie, Luther, Tommie, Will G. Hattie, Mattie, Daisy, Maggie Jean and Elizabeth.

Lucille leaves a life of legacy and love with her beloved children, Audrey Carter of Arkadelphia, AR, Ava Carter Noblin (David) of Milwaukee, WI, Freddie “Big Duck” Carter (Fay) of Arkadelphia, AR, Emmanuel “Baby Duck” Carter (Debra) of Arkadelphia, AR, Brenda Mitchell (J. T. ) of Little Rock, AR; and Melanie Leysath (Lester) of Palm Bay, FL; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Birthia Delamar of Sparkman, AR, and Jeanette of Sparkman, AR; and two very special nieces, Lillie Metcalf and Lois Sago. She also leaves a host of other nieces, nephews, the Penix Family of Milwaukee, WI; her best friend, Henrietta “Duck” Davis of Oceanside, CA who she grew up with in Millcreek and turned 100 the day Lucille passed and the Piney Grove AME Church family. 

Public visitation will be Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from noon until 7:00 p.m and the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m -7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at St. Paul AME Church. Rev. Kyle L. Jones, her great-nephew will deliver the celebration message. The interment will be at Centerpoint Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas. The family will fellowship after the interment at the Macedonia Baptist Church.