CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF LIVING

Floral Bearers

The United Methodist Women

Family AcknowledgementThere is a human bond that connects us all. It may be like a delicate thread, but in special times it becomes like a line of steel that helps to bind us, one to another. This strand makes our sorrows more bearable, and in the long run, that is what really matters. Lady Carter will be missed by her family and friends, but the thread of our human bonds will always keep some part of her with us. There are many who have touched and brought us comfort during this time of bereavement and reflection. It is impossible to name you all. Let us simply say, “Thank You,” for whatever you said, whatever you gave us, however you prayed for us, for the food you prepared and for the love you showed us. We do, however, extend special thanks to Lynn Abramowit and Matthew Hunt for their excellent medical care of our mother, the CNAs on the Heartland Wing, and the rehabilitation, medical and activity staff at Shannon Gray Rehabilitation and Recovery Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made:

In Memory of Mrs. Rosa CarterOffice of Insitutional Advancement

Johnson C. Smith University 100 Beatties Ford Road

Charlotte, NC 28216704.330.1437

Arrangements Entrusted to:Johnson and Sons Funeral Home

James F. Johnson, President206 4th Street, High Point, NC

Rosa Bell “Lady” Gibson Carter

Monday, June 9, 2014, 11:30 amMemorial United Methodist Church

Rev. Paul Milton, Pastor

In loving memory of

Obituary

Rosa Bell Gibson Carter, the eldest of six children born to Alley Gibson and Mattie E. Allen Gibson, began her earthly pilgrimage on July 7, 1913, in Walnut Cove, NC. She departed this life June 4, 2014, at Shannon Gray Rehabilitation and Recovery Center in Jamestown, North Carolina.

She moved to High Point in the late 1930s and married Henry Talmadge Carter, Sr. in 1941. Together, they raised four children, Bettye Ann, Henry Talmadge, Jr., Ronald Lee and Barbara Jean. Mrs. Carter was affectionately known as “Lady” or “Aunt Lady” throughout the High Point community. When asked how she earned the moniker, she said, “My mother always called me her little lady and the name just sort of stuck.” An excellent cook and baker, she was famous for her cakes, sweet potato pies, rolls and Southern comfort food. Her door was always open; and the table was always set, ready to serve anyone who stopped by. She also took pride in her beautiful yard where she was often seen tending her perennials and annuals. She was an avid bridge player and was a founding member of the Criterion Bridge Club. She was a life-long member of Memorial United Methodist Church where she had been active with the United Methodist Women and served as chairperson of the Communion Stewards and Hospitality Committee as well as chairperson of numerous fundraising events. Mrs. Carter retired at age 75 after working almost 50 years for Mary and Grady Stroupe and for Doris and Willis Slane. In addition to her four children, she was quick to add that she also has three additional sons, Willis Jr., and Thomas and Robert Slane, whom she helped raise. Her strength of character, welcoming demeanor, culinary legacy, penchant for hats, and lectures on right and wrong as well as important values in life will continue to resonate in the hearts of her family and friends. Mrs. Carter was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Talmadge, Sr., four sisters, Gladys Beatty Wiley, Betty Gibson Covington, Helen Gibson Russell and Lettisha Gibson Manley, and one brother, Alley Gibson, Jr. Surviving relatives left to cherish her legacy and memory are daughters, Betty Carter Jefferies (Henry) of High Point and Barbara Jean Carter of Charlotte, NC and two sons, Henry Talmadge Carter, Jr. of High Point and Dr. Ronald Lee Carter of Charlotte; eight grandchildren, Dr. H. Donnell FitzJefferies (Kathy) of Lexington, NC, Michel Edward Jefferies of High Point, Byron Scott Carter (Lolita) of Raleigh, NC, John Wesley Carter of Wake Forest, NC, Ashely Carter Schumake of St. Louis, MO, Tumelo Rosalind Carter, Cory Demetrius Carter (both of Charlotte) and Tina Clinton of High Point; four great grandchildren, Michael Jaylen Jefferies, Ashley Clinton, Paige Clinton all of High Point and Jake Stinger of Eaglesville, PA, and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

SERVICE OF DEATH AND RESURRECTION FOR

Mrs. Rosa “Lady” Carter Service of Visitation: 11:00 am

Visitation

Prelude*Processional and the Word of Grace..................................................................................Reverend Paul Milton

Celebration of Life Service

Greeting..................................................................................................................................Reverend Paul Milton

Opening Hymn...................................... Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior..............................Choir and Congregation Page 351 Prayer.....................................................................................................................................Reverend Miller Carter Old Testament.....................................................................................................................................Isaiah 40:26-31

New Testament Lesson............................................................................................................................ John 14:1-7 Solo..........................................................His Eye is On the Sparrow .....................................Dr. Shawn-Allyce White Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Choral Activities and University Soloist, Johnson C. Smith University Mr. Chris Wilson, AccompanistReflection and Meditation (silently read obituary) Witness of Lady’s Life......................................................................................Reverend Dr. Donnell FitzJefferies Solo.......................................... His Name So Sweet arr. Hall Johnson................................Dr. Shawn-Allyce White Words of Comfort..................................................................................................................Reverend Paul Milton

Prayer Dismissal with Blessing Remarks from Funeral Director *Recessional.............................................It Is Well With My Soul......................................Choir and Congregation Page 377*Please Stand Committal and Interment

Greenhill Cemetery The family and friends are invited to return to the church for a repast after the interment

On July 7, 1913, the sky dawned a clear blazing blue as the coppery sun skimmed the horizon and butterflies most assuredly soared through the sky. “Welcome to the world my

little Lady,” her mother proudly whispered. As the evening warmed to night, the crickets sang a beautiful lullaby and the stars most assuredly danced. On June 4, 2014, there was another whisper in Lady’s ear. This time she heard, “Well done my good and faithful servant. It’s time to come home.” The crickets once again resounded a beautiful song of praise and the stars danced.

Warmer summer sun, shine brightly here,

Warm southern wind blow softly here

Green sod above lie light, lie light

Goodnight dear Lady, goodnight.

— Adapted From Mark Twain’s adaptation of Robert Richardson’s Annette