Rev. Norma Lee Hadley Carter went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, October 24, 2010, at the age of 78. She was the fourth child of the late Robert V. and Anna Mary (nee: Phillips) Hadley born in Centralia, IL on January 5, 1932.
She moved with her family to Racine, WI in 1944. She lived there, receiving her education in area schools, until moving Kenosha, WI in 2004.
She was married to E. C. Carter on July 3, 1953. This union was blessed with five children – Edward, Roy, Christopher, Tracye, and Dwonne. The Carters divorced in 1981 and Norma never remarried.
Norma worked as a licensed cosmetologist, a licensed practical nurse, and insurance sales and serviceperson, as well as at American Motors. She was called by God into the ministry and after ordination as a church elder in 1981, served as pastor of Gospel Assembly Church for twenty years and after that as an active Elder of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International until her death.
During her pastorate, she organized Cub Scout Pack 181 and Boy Scout troop 181, receiving national recognition for her work. She also founded and coordinated the Adopt-A-Neighborhood Program, initiating several projects-most notable was the annual city-wide school supply giveaway.
Rev. Carter moved to Kenosha, WI in 2004. She was a lay leader with the Stepping On Program, Board member of Kenosha County Nutrition program, a mentor at Wilson School, a Kenosha County Aging Commissioner, member of Civic Engagement, Black Health Coalition, Ethnic Elders Group and served as volunteer Executive Director of Grass Roots of Southeastern WI-(an agency working to raise community awareness of HIV/AIDs). She also served as administrative assistant at New Life Christian Fellowship Church and was active until her death.
Left the celebrate her home going are her children- Edward (Stacia) Carter of Apopka, FL; Rev. Roy Lee Carter and Christopher (Gail) Carter of Kenosha, WI; Tracye N. Carter of Atlanta, GA; and Dwonne (Mbala) Williams of Racine, WI; eight grandchildren-Candace Carter, Andre Carter, Alisha (Jeremy)Webb, Brandon Carter, Bryanna Carter, Brytanie Carter, Bryan Carter, Brandye Carter; one great grandson-DeShawn Carter-Webb; two brothers-Kenneth (Lillian) Hadley of Racine, WI and Barry (Shirley) Hadley of Victorville, CA; three sisters-Ilma (Fred) Oates and Sandra Hadley of Racine, WI, and Mary (William) Brown of Grapevine, TX; a special niece-Jessie Lee Cannon; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews relatives and friends. Those gone before her include her parents; sisters-Elnora (Dottie) Hadley, Jeanetta Cobbler, Bobbye Jo Bruce; brothers-Walter Hadley, Thomas Hadley, Paul C Hadley and Gilbert (Ronnie) Hadley.
Her Homegoing Service will be celebrated on Saturday, October 30th at 11:00 a.m. in Greater Grace Temple, 522 N Memorial Dr., with her son Rev. Roy L. Carter officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday, October 29th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and in the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In keeping with her wishes cremation will follow.
Memorials may be made to Grass Roots of Southeastern WI in her name.
Trish Garner says
Eddie, Roy, Chris, Tracye and Dwonne and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I have so many fond and loving memories of Aunt Norma and our family vacations to Racine. As I reflect over the past years, she gave me my first perm and always had time to bake my favorite German Chocolate cake. She always had a kind and spiritual word to share. I truly and sincerly loved her.
I know this has been a challenging and emotionally tough time for each of you, but your faith and belief in a mighty God will bring you through.
I wish you God’s continued support and care as you grieve. We must find contentment in knowing she is resting peacefully with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Please know that all of the love that everyone has for Aunt Norma encircles each of you.
Love always,your cousin!
Trish