Barbara Jean Carter, 86, of Waco, passed away Monday, May 9, 2022.
Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21 at Greater Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Turner St, Waco.
Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 20 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Barbara Jean McKinney was born to Mr. and Mrs. Luther McKinney September 21, 1935. Shortly, after the birth of Barbara Jean, her mother Eddie Lee became sick and passed away. Barbara was raised by her two devoted aunts, Mrs. Addie Gay Johnson and Mrs. Thelma Fryer who stepped in and took care of Barbara Jean, just as their own child.
Barbara Jean married Eugene Carter July 2, 1955, to this union three were born, Terry Eugene, Carmen Carlette, and Lisa Elaine. They were married for 61 years.
Barbara Jean’s early childhood school life began at Booker T. Washington (Marlin, Tx), J.H. Hines (Waco, Tx), AJ Moore (Waco, Tx) and Lincoln High (Dallas, Tx). She graduated from Paul Quinn College in 1957 with a BS Degree in English and Business, and Prairie View A&M in 1975 with a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance.
In high school, she participated in drama and the “Leading Lady” in the senior Play. While attending college at Paul Quinn College she was active in drama, cheerleader for the football team, and secretary of the senior class where she met and served with her soon to be future husband. She joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Inc and he joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. She was an active member of the Delta Upsilon Zeta Chapter in Waco. She held countless positions most notably as Chapter President. Under her leadership as President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc – Nu Iota Chapter of Baylor University was chartered. Barbara Jean also served as a faithful member of National Sorority Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. – Gamma Upsilon Chapter.
Barbara Jean joined Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. G.B. Prince. She was an active member who sang in the choir, attended Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. As a young adult, she taught the Junior Girls Class, read the announcements on Sunday morning and taught classes for Vacation Bible School. As a senior citizen, she was the secretary for Mission II, Chairman of the Resolution Committee, co-chairman of Annual Women’s Day Program, attended prayer meetings on Wednesday nights, and visited Woodland Springs Nursing Home. She was very active until her health began to fail. Barbara Jean was always an active person with a dynamic personality. She participated in the Seniors Program at the Dewey Recreation Center exercising in Zumba classes, playing bingo, and celebrating monthly birthdays. Barbara Jean loved cooking and sharing stories about her family. She never met a stranger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene Carter; daughter, Lisa Elaine; two loving aunts, and favorite cousin Van Buren (Pie) Gay.
Left to cherish her precious memories are her children, Terry Eugene (Vickie), and Carmen Carlette; two grandchildren, Erica Nicole King, and Christopher Scott King; aunt, Emma Joffrion; first cousin, Rudy Gray; uncles, Rufus Gay (Mary), Jimmie Gay, Sherman Gay (Agnes), Alvin Gay, and Herman Gay; cousins, Glady, Vivian Gay Lewis Wells, Dr. Mary Lynn Thomas, Ira Gay Jr., Honorable Glenn Lewis, Herman T. Carter, and a host of relatives and friends.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Candy you and your family are in my prayers and have my deepest condolences! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, to GOD be the Glory!!! GOD bless and much love!!!
Candance and Terry we were so sadden about the loss of your Mother and one of my dearest friends. She was an amazing person and we know that she is in a better place. We must remember that the Lord also want to be surrounded with the best. She will no longer have to suffer. To God be the Glory.
We love you all very much.
The Toliver’s
William & Irene
I was so sad to read about Sister Carter’s passing. She was always so nice to me at the salon, it was such a pleasure to see her smiling face!
I had been thinking of her all week, I miss her, and will continue to think of and remember her often.
Terry and Candy it is with the Warmest of condolences to each of you and the entire Carter Family. We are sadden by the loss of Ms Barbara, she and your Dad were such
Dear Friends to my Parents (Frank and Delois West, Sr) her beautiful smile will be missed. We are praying for your strength during these times.
Love and Blessings
Frank and Valerie West, Jr
Richardson, Tx
Carmen, Terry, and extended Family –
My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your mother for weeks now. Carmen, you taught me that she has transitioned and is now sitting with your father and sister and God during this next step of her journey. We are thinking of you all right now. God bless you.
To Terry,Candy,Erica ,Chris and the entire Carter family,my thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your mother and grandmother. I pray you find peace in knowing that Sis. Carter is at rest with no more suffering. She’s received her healing on the other side and is joined with Rev. Carter and Lisa.
Love and prayers,
Thank you for the opportunity to care for your loved one. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We at Seniors Complete Insurance are saddened to hear of Barbara’s passing. We would like the family to know it was an honor to serve her the past 5 years with her insurance needs. We know that she will be greatly missed.
Sincerely, Teresa Cassidy and Staff
May God wrap his arms around you all and bring you comfort during this time. Her life lived well and her legacy left wtih a loving and caring family….a real testament to Mrs. Carter. God bless, Terry and family. Persoanlly and on behalf of the entire KXXV team we send our deepest sympathies.
Candace and Terry, your Mom’s presence will be missed but know she’s with the Lord God she served faithfully. The family has my sincere condolences and prayers during your time grieving. Your Mother’s Tribute is a life well lived through faith, service and love.
I’m a former student of your Mom’s when taught school in Hubbard, Texas 60+ years ago. Her sense of humor, emphasis on education & it’s importance to one’s life’s overall learning & growth has been immensely conducive to the places, people & travels throughout my life. I’m now 72 yo, and its been many years since I last saw her; her smile I’ll never forget & the joy, humor and laughter we shared is unforgettable leading to her inquiring “Joann Gamble!” tell me all of what you’ve doing & where you been? You see, Mrs. Carter was present with my family as I said my goodbyes on the night I graduated HS. I joined USN at 18, left Tx; got married, two children. She had such joy hearing about all aspects of my life: family, employment, etc, It seems as if it was just yesterday we had that conversation. Your Mom was a special woman, never met a stranger; was loved by all Gambles she came to know through her teaching at least six siblings of the 14. Your Mom’s is laughing I know with my write up here because she enjoyed people and gave “permission” of what they had to share through her love of people, expressions of joy, humor and thoughts. Knowing that her presence is no longer on this Earth is sadness to me but, I’m filled also with happiness, joy she’s an Angel continuously watching over her loved ones & friends left behind.
God’s blessings and love to Mrs. Carter’s Family from Joanna Gamble Family, Auburn, Washington, Pacific Northwest
Terry, I’m very sorry to hear that your mom passed. Know that I and all of your friends here at KXXV are praying for you and your family. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Terry, so sorry to hear about your mom. Everyone at KXXV sends our prayers. We are here for you if you need anything, just reach out!
Carmen and Family,
Just from knowing you, We can say that WE KNOW that your mother KNEW AND LOVED the Lord! Matthew 12:33 says “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good.” Carmen, because of Christ, because of you, we know that your mom lived a life that was full off Joy, Love and Happiness because as God’s word says “By your fruit, you will recognize them!” We didn’t know Barbara personally but we indeed knew of her because of her fruit! She’s at peace now, resting in the arms of the Lord! What a wonderful place to be and Oh how wonderful, wonderful is his name. In his name, we pray you and your family’s strength during this time especially and always. —Love Jamile, Brianna and the Kids
Please know that your mother’s love will be with you forever. We’re praying for you during this unimaginably sad time.
To the Family,
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal, we LOVED Mrs. Carter but God LOVED her best. Know that I LOVED you and I am praying for the Family God Bless you ALL.
Love Carrie McClain
To the Carter family…
I am Janice Gamble Richardson. I…WE, the children in Hubbard TX, loved your Mother.
Ms. Carter was with US at PHYLLIS WHEATLEY and when We integrated at Hubbard High.
She was a Godsend!
Well done Mrs. Carter!
With All My Love , Janice
I stumbled upon this obituary and can hardly write through my tears. Mrs. Carter was a true Lady. A Woman of God and a Wife and Mother without equal. My sons and I remember her generous spirit and her loving arms. Rest in Heaven.