Gracie Phillips Carter

Gracie Phillips Carter’s life journey began in Crocketts Bluff, Arkansas. She was the sixth child of the late Jarvis and Lillian Smith Phillips. She received her early education at Immanuel High School in Almyra, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in Arkansas AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). It was there that Gracie was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

In 1956, she moved to Chicago, Illinois where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master of Library Science Degree from Chicago State University. Gracie married Will Charles Carter on October 24, 1959. To this union, two daughters, Sharon and Stephanie were born, raised, and educated in Chicago. Gracie and Will were married for 64 happy years until her transition to her heavenly home. She served as an elementary school teacher and later as a librarian in the Chicago Public School System.

During her tenure in the Chicago Public School System, her eyes were opened to socio-economic disparities and other problems that victimized people of color resulting from racial discrimination in education, employment, and housing. Feeling passionate about doing whatever she could to help eradicate racial discrimination and injustice against her people, she worked through various civic, public service, professional, and community organizations to foster public awareness concerning these problems. Symbolic of her commitment to the cause of social justice, she participated in the “I Have a Dream” March in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963.

In 1989, the family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas after her retirement from the Chicago Public School System, with 30 years of service. She started a second career at Philander Smith College in 1990, where she served as a librarian and College Archivist. She retired from Philander Smith College in 2010. As a child, young Gracie professed faith in Jesus Christ. As an adult, she grew more and more passionate about her Lord’s work. In 1989, she and Will became dedicated members of Hunter United Methodist Church where she served as lay leader, certified lay speaker, member of the United Methodist Women’s Unit, member of the church council (CORE), liturgist, and worship leader.

She received several honors, and awards from her congregation in recognition of her faithful service. Moreover, she was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Little Rock Alumnae Chapter, past member of The National Council of Negro Women in Education, and member of the N.A.A.C.P., and the American Association of University Women.

Gracie departed this life on April 26, 2023. She leaves to lovingly cherish her life and memory : husband, Will Charles Carter of Little Rock, Arkansas, two daughters, Sharon C. Johnson (Clinton) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Stephanie Carter; one sister, Lula P. Brooks of Little Rock, Arkansas; one brother, Frillie Phillips of Crocketts Bluff, Arkansas; one grandson, Joshua DeClinton Carter Johnson of Little Rock, Arkansas; godson, Terrence Carter (Arnella) of Benton, Arkansas; special family friend, Melvin Davidson; one Aunt, Cardalene Smith of Maywood, Illinois, and two Sisters-in-law Bessie Phillips, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Dorothy Mae Carter, of Chicago, Illinois, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many loyal family members and friends. A special and heartfelt thanks to all of her cherished caregivers past and present: Caregiver-in-charge, Ms. Erma Ferguson, Ms. Donna Adams, Mrs. Angela Robinson, Ms. Lakella Wilson, Ms. Debra Adams, Mrs. Pat Bryant, Mrs. Donna Stanton, Ms. Falen, Ms. Tonya, Ms. Chyna, and Mrs. Bridget Hightower, Baptist Hospice and Hospice Home Care.

Mrs. Gracie Carter will lie in state at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth Funeral Home for friends and family from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

A family hour and visitation for Gracie will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Hunter United Methodist Church, Little Rock, Arkansas, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com for the Carter family.