Grace G. Carter

Grace passed unto God’s Heavenly Kingdom on January 7, 2012. She was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on May 9, 1925, to Grace Buster Gayden and Julian John Gayden. She grew up in Columbia, and graduated from the University of South Carolina with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Music. While there, she served as the accompanist of the University of South Carolina Concert Choir and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. In 1946, she married Frank Stephen Carter, and they moved to the oil fields of New Mexico and West Texas, before settling in Dallas in 1955. Grace was a gifted pianist and composer, who shared her talents with family and friends, as well as with members of her many club affiliations. Grace was a long time member of the Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Garden Club, Mary K. Craig class, Musical Arts Club, Armstrong Review Club, Dallas Museum of Art League, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League. Her other affiliations included Chi Omega alumni, Pan American Round Table, Daughters of the American Revolution, Calliope and Dallas Dinner Dance Clubs, Rondo and Thalia Dinner Dance Clubs, Dallas Southern Memorial Association, the Northwood Club, and the Park City Club. She was a charter member of Park Cities Presbyterian Church. Grace was predeceased by her adoring husband of 65 years, Frank Stephen Carter, her beloved son, Stephen Roy Carter, and her brother Julian John Gayden.

She is survived by her daughter, Christina Gayden Carter; her son Julian Gayden Carter and his wife Cindy; her sister, Gretchen Gayden Dawson; five grandchildren, Jennings Bond Carter and his wife Erin, Stephen James Carter, Alicia Louise Carter, John Gayden Carter and Caroline Carter Marrs and her husband John; and two great grandchildren, Harrison Bond Carter and Spencer James Carter. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Grace was a devoted Christian who truly reflected an inward and outward beauty. Her quiet strength and elegance, her serenity of spirit, and her sincere and steadfast loyalty enriched the lives of all who knew her. She was deeply loved and admired by her friends and family.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 11th at 2pm at Park Cities Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who may wish to contribute memorials consider directing them to Park Cities Presbyterian Church, 4124 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219 or the Baylor Healthcare System Foundation, 3600 Gaston Avenue, #100, Dallas, Texas 75246.