By Denise W., Philadelphia, September 17, 2020 — I would like to [share] the obituary of my mother because I was very actively involved in the planning of her service. My heart is still broken as I’m going through the process of grieving. But basically, my mother had cancer of the lungs and she began to lose a lot of weight [because] she wouldn’t eat anymore and she continued to smoke. I wanted to be very supportive of her. In fact, I wanted to leave my job retire early and just be there for her, take her to the doctor, etc. But, she didn’t want that. My mother maintained a certain amount of independence. And so I had to honor that, which was sometimes very hard.
So, as it became inevitable that she was not going to be here long I happened to go into Lord and Taylor’s one day and I saw this beautiful blue dress in a size 4 and I bought it. My mother’s favorite color is blue. She loves powder blue so I bought the dress, I went to her house and gave it to her, and she took it. She didn’t say anything about it, but that was the dress, inevitably, that the undertaker put on her.
The singing at my mother’s funeral was very important. She liked the old singers of the old gospel, like Mahalia Jackson and James Cleveland. I actually found a woman that had a very beautiful voice that could sing those songs and that was the beginning of it. Now I will [share] the obituary for her too. It’s called “Celebrating a Legacy of Love for Marita Carter,” and my cousin actually read it at the sermon.
Sunrise December 13, 1933 — Sunset October 14, 2014.
Today we bow in humble submission to praise God for Marita Carter who was born on December 13, 1933 to the late Frank Carter and late Lucille Henderson Carter. Marita accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age. As a member as of the 48th Street Baptist Church with an she sang second soprano in the McDaniel’s Specials, a choir there. She recently joined Sharon Baptist Church under the pastorship of Bishop Keith W. Reed, Sr. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who evangelized and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and exemplified unconditional love for her family.
Marita’s favorite scripture was found in the King James version of the Bible John Chapter 14, Verse 2. “In my father’s house are many mansions If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” Marita knew that Heaven was a place for prepared people and her top priority was to share the path of eternal salvation with her children and grandchildren. She exemplified unconditional love for her family. She was proud of her children and grandchildren.
Marita was charitable as she lived by the scripture of 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now by the faith, hope charity these 3, but the greatest of these is charity.”
Marita cheerfully gave her time talent and treasure to those in need. Contributing to the hungry children around the world was a joy for her. Marita matriculated through the Philadelphia public school system. One of Marita’s spiritual gifts was that she had an empathetic attitude for a hospice aide.
She possessed a caring, committed and compassionate and competent work ethic as she worked tirelessly to ensure the comfort level of the sick and dying.
Marita insisted on maintaining a meticulous, decluttered home, her organizational skills were unmatched and unprecedented as she was employed for years as a housekeeper and factory worker also.
Marita savored so much in life such as traveling to New York, the islands etc., watching the Phillies’ games, attending Broadway plays dancing to the beat and listening to the gospel music of James Cleveland and Mahalia Jackson.
Marita excelled a cooking, preparing the highest quality meals. She used only the finest ingredients and practiced professional techniques to ensure delectable meals for her family. Marita dressed eloquently according to the current fashion trends, like she just walked off the pages of a magazine.
Marita embraced the philosophy of Saint Francis of Assisi; “Remember that when you leave this earth and can take nothing of which you have received but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service love, sacrifice and courage.” She nurtured and cared for several animals with kindness.
Marita had an affinity for animals. One of her fondest memories was of the beautiful turquoise Pacific Ocean in Oahu, Hawaii. She was in awe of the infinity and peace of God’s oceans.
Marita lived a life on her own terms. She was determined to live her last days as the lyrics of the song stated, “I did it my way.” Marita can be quoted as saying, “All is well with my soul.” Marita ascended to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 14th, 2014. And then the rest just lists, Marita leaves to cherish precious memories a daughter, etc.
So, that’s what I wrote for her, and once in a while I enjoy reading it because I just thank God for the ability to write that and the abilities to also lead in the prayer, because part of the service, it’s a Baptist service, is a prayer of comfort. So I was able to do that very well. That’s why it means so much to me. But I’m still grieving and I will grieve until I see her again.