Darlene Dean Carter, of Richland, passed away from this life and into the arms of Jesus at UMMC on Saturday, December 30, 2023. Visitation was held at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church at 404 Pemberton Drive in Pearl, MS, on Friday, January 5, 2024. Service was held at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church on Saturday, January 6, 2024 with Dr. Steve Jackson officiating. Interment was held in Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, MS.
Darlene was born in Jackson, MS, on September 28, 1961, to Douglas and Nell Dean of Pearl. She graduated from Pearl High School in 1980. She attended Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS, and graduated from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS, with a bachelor’s degree in education and music. She received a master’s degree in education from Mississippi College, as well.
Darlene is preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by her husband of 36 and ½ years, Scott, and their son, Matt and his wife, Julianna. She is survived by her brother, Sammy Dean and his wife, Jana, and her sister, Junell Dean, and her partner, Dave. She has one niece, Jessica Sance and her two children, David Cole Sance, and Kaelyn Sance.
Darlene was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Holmes County where her husband served as bi-vocational pastor. She was a former member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church where her parents were charter members. She was active in the music ministry at both Ebenezer Baptist Church and McLaurin Heights Baptist Church, singing solos and singing in the adult choir and leading children’s choirs.
Darlene was a teacher for approximately 32 years having taught at The Education Center, Oak Forest Elementary School, Pearl Upper Elementary, and Pearl Junior High School. She spent the majority of her teaching career teaching seventh grade science at Pearl Junior High School. She enjoyed teaching and especially, her colleagues, her administration, and her students whom she loved and cared for deeply.
Darlene enjoyed spending time with her family, singing, traveling, and enjoying time with her grand-dog, Ace.
Memorials may be made to McLaurin Heights Baptist Children Backpack Ministry, which provides food for students of Pearl Public School District, at 404 Pemberton Drive, Pearl, MS, 39208.
