Georgia Lee Carter

Georgia Lee Carter, age 89, passed away on June 6, 2022 at Boulder Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care. Georgia was born in Wyoming Township on October 4, 1932 to the late George & Celestia (DenHouten) Shippy.

As a teenager, Georgia worked in her Uncle Neil’s pharmacy and was acquainted with the handsome E. Claude Carter who frequented the store’s soda fountain counter. After graduating from Kelloggsville High School in 1950 and earning an associate degree at Grand Rapids Junior College, Georgia went to work in the Herman Miller showroom in downtown Grand Rapids. One Fall night fate intervened, and she was reacquainted with the man she was to marry at a Kelloggsville homecoming football game, and on January 20, 1953, Georgia was united in marriage to E. Claude Carter.

Before they knew it, their family grew to include children and Georgia became a dedicated mother and homemaker. It can be said she was a class example of “June Cleaver” instilling a strong faith, love of family and a belief in the value of hard work in her growing family. “Rise and Shine!” she would lovingly announce, as she woke her children each morning.

A member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Georgia spent many years teaching both Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and was a preschool aide for one year as well.

Countless family memories have been made at the Carter Family Cottage on Bass Lake in Pentwater. Built in 1970 by Claude “The Cottage” continues to serve as a family vacation home where memories continue to be forged among the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Georgia and Claude.

Georgia is survived by her children: Dan (Dawn) Carter, Tim (Michelle) Carter and Claudia (Steve) London; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her brother Gary (Lorraine) Shippy, and her sister-in-law Margery (John) Pausinga as well as many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her son Jeffrey Carter in 2020 and her husband Claude in 1986.

Visitation for Georgia will be held on Wednesday June 15, 2022, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church where a funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial donations in memory of Georgia may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or Messiah Lutheran Church.