Mary Louise Lyons Carter

Mary Louise Carter graced the world with her presence on March 3rd, year unknown, as she would always say, “A lady never tells her age.” She was born to Ollie Mae Lyons in Bryant, Mississippi, and later journeyed to Kansas City, Missouri, where she was raised by her devoted parents, Ida Mae and Willie C. Johnson. Mary Louise was the eldest of twenty-two children, carrying both responsibility and grace from an early age.

Mary was a loving mother of three daughters and an affectionate MeMaw to two grandchildren and one great-grandson. She was an inspiration as a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend—faithfully fulfilling each role as a true role model.

Mary was deeply loved and well known for her unwavering commitment to Christ. She was also a faithful member of Faith Mission Church for 60 years. She was educated in the Kansas City school system and later earned her cosmetology license from Lena’s Beauty College.

A dedicated and skilled professional, Mary was employed as a Surgical Tech and Central Supply Technician. She retired from Trinity Lutheran Hospital and Menorah Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and respect for her work.

Mary stood as a steadfast pillar and radiant beacon of light, she was known for her words of encouragement, warm smiles, and an infectious laugh—one that welcomed all and brought healing to the soul. A quiet, peaceful woman of wisdom, she possessed many gifts and talents. Mary had a creative touch in all she did as she shared her abilities with those around her. Whether she was styling hair, sewing a garment, arranging a bouquet of flowers, or transforming something as simple as an air freshener into a beautiful adorned doll, her hands reflected her heart—full of grace, kindness, beauty, benevolence, and genuine love.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Darleatha Carter; one grandson, DeMarco Harvey; her parents, Willie C. and Ida Mae Johnson; her mother, Ollie Mae Spearman; and three brothers, Leo, Edward, and Lester Spearman, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Margo Carter and Kimberly Carter; one granddaughter, DeMarchelle(Chelle) Harvey; and one great-grandson, Kelvin Foster, Jr., all of Kansas City, MO.

Nine brothers: Charles Spearman and Dennis (Davida) Johnson of Kansas City, Mo,

Walter (Dora) Spearman, Willie C Spearman, Lonzo Spearman of Chicago, IL, Rufus

Spearman of Water Valley, MS, Lloyd Spearman, Lee Cody (Meg) Spearman and

Charlie (Jackie) Spearman of Coffeeville, Ms.

Ten sisters: Vivian (Jeffery) Scott of Houston, TX. Regina (James) Summers and Renee (Roger)

Garner of Kansas City, MO, Addie Johnson of Chicago, IL, Ruthie (Willie) Adams of

Benton Harbor, MI, Marjorie Moore, Shirley (Jimmy) Davenport, Linda Stevenson,

Ethelene (Kenneth) Poole and Jurlean Twillie of Coffeeville, MS

A hosts of nieces, nephews, others relatives and special friends.

A visitation will be held on February 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64131.

The funeral service will follow on the same day from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the same location.

A committal will take place from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, also located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64131.