Mary Margaret Ivey Carter

Mary was the first girl born to Theodore (Ted) and Dorothy Ivey. She married the love of her life, Jimmy Love Carter, on December 4, 1958.

Mary worked hard her entire life, starting out as an eager Candy Striper at the age of sixteen and ending her formal career as a highly respected Quality Control Manager for General Dynamics. Her husband’s failing health required her to retire from the workplace and become his full-time caregiver, which she did with the utmost determination, compassion, and care. Her hard work, both in the workforce and as a caregiver, earned her the admiration and respect of all those who knew her. Her niece put it accurately when she said, “Mary was a trailblazer for many women…” She had confidence, determination, and a very quick wit. She was not a big woman, but she thought she was ten feet tall, and she did not let anyone put anything over on her. She instilled in her children the importance of working hard to achieve goals, to keep pushing through when things get tough, and to never ever give up. She loved photography, gardening, landscaping, cooking, and on-line shopping. She was an avid reader, and she loved to read and re-read the Bible each year. She always had an endless love for nature and was a guru on plant identification and care. As Meme, she loved to influence her grandchildren, in many ways…….

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jimmy Love; two brothers, Theodore Holley Ivey, and Mattison Roger Ivey; two sisters, Ella Carol Pittman, and Cora Jean Ivey-Miller; granddaughter, Madalyn Ivy Carter; great grandson Conner Garett Barbee.

Mary is survived by her brother, Billy Howard Ivey; twin daughters and son; Mary Smith and husband Truitt (Richmond), Margarett Barbee and husband Randy (Hawley), and Jimmy Carter and wife Carra (Seymour). She is also survived by her ten grandchildren: Matthew Smith and wife Lindsey, Josh Smith and wife Christie, Sarah Morris and husband Jeremy, Andrew Smith, Tommy Smith; Michael Barbee and wife Kara R., Dustin Barbee and wife Kara L., Cooper Barbee and wife Misti; Davis Carter and wife Ashley, Jimmy Jake Carter and wife Cassidy. All her grandchildren lovingly call her Meme. Also, sixteen great grandchildren survive her: Hayden, Eli, Jude, Owen; Gage, Maisie, Grayson, Griffyn; Brantlee, Aubree; Claire, Wyatt, Mary Evelyn , Everett, Jackson, and Dani. She loved and adored them with all her heart. Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers.

A visitation will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, located at 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606, on January 13, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A graveside service will take place at Central Cemetery, FM 1226, Hawley, TX 79525, on January 14, 2026, at 10:00 am with Eddie Ross officiating.