Flora Carter

Flora Elizabeth Reynolds Carter was born March 3, 1940 to Joshua and Lucille Reynolds in Montgomery, Alabama. She committed her life to Christ at a young age at Hutchinson Street Baptist Church in Montgomery. As the daughter of local entrepreneurs managing night clubs, a hotel and restaurants, she was exposed to business, numerous entertainers from the 40s and 50s and most importantly the fight for civil rights. It was also where she first learned to cook - a skill for which she would come to be known throughout her life. After graduating from high school, she briefly attended Alabama State University where she would meet her future husband. Flora wed Wallace Carter, also of Alabama, April 9, 1961. The following year they welcomed their first daughter Ruth and Althea followed three years later in 1965. Seeking greater opportunities for their young family, the Carters followed Flora's mother and cousin to settle in the west suburbs of Chicago in 1966, where she resided the rest of her days. Over the years, she would share her mastery of cooking and baking with everyone she encountered, especially as the lead chef of a family business named in her honor - Flo's Catering Soul - from 2001 until 2009. Ms. Flo as many affectionately called her spent her days post retirement meticulously tending to her flowers every summer and traveling through road trips and cruises. She also enjoyed spoiling her grandchild immensely. Mrs. Carter was preceded in death by her husband Wallace and mother and father Lucille and Joshua. Celebrating her life and carrying forth her legacy are her daughters Ruth Carter-McDonald and Althea Carter, both of Berkeley, Illinois; granddaughter Jasmyne McDonald of Evanston, Illinois and recently born great- granddaughter Zora Jones. She also leaves her sister Jacqueline Richardson of Maywood, Illinois; her beloved cousin Barbara Porter of Montgomery, Alabama; and a host of other relatives and friends to cherish her memory.