Girlie Mae Carter, Beloved Kirkwood Resident, Dies at 89

Sister Girlie Mae (Mitchell) Carter was born to the union of Henry and Rose Mitchell on July 19, 1922, in Columbus, MS. She was the youngest of eight children, all of whom preceded her in death. Sister Carter grew up in a Christian home and confessed Christ at an early age.  

In 1949, Sister Carter entered into holy matrimony with Henry Clay Carter (deceased) and moved to Kirkwood. To this union three children were born: Timothy, Brian and Deborah. They united in fellowship with where Sister Carter was a faithful member and servant for over 60 years. She was a Stewardess and also served in the Women’s Missionary Society, Senior Usher Board and Senior Choir. She was also active in the community and was affectionately called “mom” and “grandma” by her children’s friends and acquaintances.

Sister Carter worked as a cosmetologist and was also employed as a factory worker at Bemis Bag Company and Bohn and Dawson. She retired in 1984. In her spare time she was a member of the Suburban Ladies Social Club and loved participating in bowling leagues.  

Sister Carter will be remembered for being a kind, considerate, loving and caring person with a great sense of humor. She was particularly concerned about her appearance, especially her hair and clothes. Her motto was, “look good, feel good."

She also tried to live by the scriptures she kept poised by her telephone: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever..."    

All those who knew Sister Carter will remember her for her devotion to her family as a supportive wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Sister Carter leaves to cherish her memory: Three children - Timothy Carter (Vonnie), Brian Carter and Deborah Graves-Manns (Hurel); Five grandchildren – Michelle (Andre), Kevin, Shayla, Diona and Brian “Bobby”; Two great-grandchildren - Mikayla and Adrian; Many nieces, nephews, cousins and an expanded family of friends, “adopted” children and grandchildren whose lives she touched, changed, counseled and inspired.

"She was like another mother to me," said Gloria Nickerson, a former neighbor of Sister Carter. "She was a very sweet, loving and kind person."

On Sunday, Feb. 5, God called his faithful servant to rest from her labor after a full and faithful life. Sister Carter will always be remembered and sorely missed.

Visitation and Funeral Services: 

• Visitation will be held at , 211 N. Woodlawn Ave., Kirkwood, MO, 63122, Thursday, Feb. 9, from 4-7 p.m.
• A funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 10, with viewing from 10-11 a.m., and funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

• Olive Chapel A.M.E. Church, 309 S. Harrison Ave., Kirkwood, MO, 63122.