Baby Ruth Carter

A virtuous woman is described as one who is strong, capable, and full of dignity. She is trustworthy and brings good to her family all the days of her life. She works diligently, providing food and clothing for her household, and is wise in managing her resources. Her hands are always busy, and she extends her hand to the needy. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she speaks with wisdom and kindness. Her children and husband praise her, acknowledging her excellence and the blessings she brings to their lives. Above all, she fears the Lord, and her works bring her praise at the city gates.

Baby Ruth Carter was born on February 12, 1940, in Freestone County, Texas, to her loving parents, Johnnie Vernon and May B. Vernon. She was the sixth child in her family and accepted Christ at an early age, uniting with Saint Hill COGIC in Fairfield, Texas. Later, when she moved to Fort Worth, she joined Sweethome Baptist Church. She moved her membership to the Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church in Forest Hill, Texas, where she has served for over 50 years and was a loyal member of the usher board before her health declined.

Baby Ruth Carter was a dedicated student, graduating from Butler High School in 1958. She pursued higher education at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where she studied Business Administration. She also earned Typewriting and IBM Keypunch certifications from the Commercial College of Fort Worth, Texas, and has an associate’s degree in Mid Management from Tarrant County Junior College (currently TCC).

On February 22, 1960, she married W.C. Carter, and they remained happily married for over 65 years. After a chance meeting in sixth grade, it must have been true love. Baby Ruth loved Dub, and he will forever love her! They had a daughter, Felicia Carter, born March 22, 1963, whom they deeply love.

Baby Ruth Carter was employed by the National Soil Conservation Services for 37 years before retiring. She also volunteered at the Fort Worth VA Clinic, but that did not stop her from traveling to various places locally and internationally. Baby Ruth understood the importance of self-care early in life and took time for herself to see the world. She started by traveling to Germany with her husband during his military service. Subsequently, continued to Paris, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, London, Russia, Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, St Kitt, St. Marteen, St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Turks, Canada, and Mexico.

Traveling allowed her to recharge, and she would come home ready to help someone in need. She was a compassionate caregiver and provider for others. If she saw a need, she would be the first to help. She cherished being a caregiver to her family. She preserved her connection to rural life, visiting her childhood hometown regularly, raising her cows on her land, and staying in touch with her love of nature. Her strength, warmth, and love touched the lives of everyone who knew her, and her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. Baby Ruth Carter passed away on September 8, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, 12 days before one of her epic birthday celebrations. Today, on the date of her planned party, we honor her life with a homegoing celebration, a life well lived! Baby Ruth was a remarkable woman, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie Vernon and May B. Vernon; sisters, Joann Jones; Pearline Field, and brothers, B.J. Jordan, Hyman Odell Jordan, Johnnie Vernon Jr., Jimmy C. Vernon, Sandford E. Vernon, and West Vernon.

Baby Ruth Carter leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband, W.C. Carter, loving daughter, Felicia Carter, bonus daughter, Ruth Jourdan-Ward (Lewis), and bonus grandson, Jourdan Cumming, her sister, Mildred Vernon, and her brother, Clark Vernon of Dallas, Texas, and many other relatives and friends.