Mrs. Willie Mae Carter

Willie Mae Taylor was born on May 17, 1932, in Hartford, Kentucky to the union of William Taylor and Florence Acton. Willie was the 4th of seven children. She was known for waking early before her siblings to complete her chores; She loved baking for her only brother Elvis and was also known for her storytelling and great sense of humor. Willie graduated from Western High School in Owensboro, KY in 1952. The keynote speaker was Whitney Young the civil rights activist.The Western High School class motto was “Here lies the timber what shall we build”. After high school, Willie moved to Evansville, IN to live with her beloved Aunt Sadie. Willie began working at Smitty’s Restaurant/Holiday Inn in Evansville and joined Cleaves Memorial C.M.E Church. Willie’s love of cooking and mouth- watering dishes would follow her the rest of her life. While living in Evansville with Aunt Sadie, she brought “a peace to the eyes of this mighty beast” George Robert Carter; they danced and fell in love and were married June 5th, 1954. From this union five children were born: Theresa Mae, George Robert Jr. and William Charles born in Evansville; Brian Keith and Valerie “Teasin’ Brown” in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Carter moved to Chicago in the early 60s where George began working at Ford Motor Company in Chicago Heights while residing in Chicago; Willie was known for: her southern charm/ being personable; serving as a Cub Scout Chaperone/Girl Scout Leader; babysitting/caregiving and of course her cooking. In 1969, the Carter Family moved to East Chicago Heights where over the years Willie was employed at Shannon’s Restaurant, Riviera Manor, Pearls Restaurant and St. James Hospital from which she retired after 40 years of service. Willie was a faithful member of Christian Valley Church for over 40 years serving on the Finance Committee and Mother’s Board. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed reading her Bible, other literature/books; working crossword puzzles; trying new recipes and helping others with seemingly endless energy and compassion. Willie cared for her mother, and her beloved husband of 38 years until death. Willie Mae Carter was preceded in death by her: husband George; daughter Theresa; parents William & Florence Tayler; father/mother-in-law Charles & Alneda Carter; her siblings, Isabelle, Elvis, Onita, Edna, Lilian, and daughter-in-law Laurie Carter. She leaves to cherish her memory: 3 sons George Jr. (Vivian), William, Brian (Sheila) and 1 daughter Valerie; 8 grandchildren Kenyon, William, Evan, Genesis, Anthony, Brandon, Chelsea, and Mya; Great-Grandchildren, Nakenya, Jacobi, Cameron, Candice, Ebony, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends “the circle of friendship is never ending”. Willie Mae Carter was a gracious woman who was loved by all who knew her; she will truly be missed. “You left a beautiful memory, but a sorrow too great to be told. To us who loved you and lost you, your memory will never grow old”.

Tributes

Mrs. Willie Mae Carter

May 17, 1932 - June 29, 2022