Paula Jo Carter

Paula Jo (Desgranges) Carter, 85, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 with her family by her side. Paula was born on December 9th, 1937 to Paul and Frieda (Makley) Desgranges. She attended Woodland Schools before moving to Lake Odessa. After graduating from Lake Odessa High School in 1955 she earned a business degree from Davenport College. Paula married the love of her life, Merval Carter on October 19, 1956. Together they raised four children on the family farm.

In 1971 Paula began her career for Lakewood Public Schools and retired as bookkeeper after 28 years of service. She was a member of the Woodland Women’s Club for several years where she made many friends and was a member of the Lakewood United Methodist Church.

Paula enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. You never left her home feeling hungry. Anyone who visited Paula knew the delicious homemade cookies would be waiting to enjoy with great conversation. Bags and bags of cookies traveled out of her front door to be enjoyed later.

Paula was blessed to have a large family who loved spending time with her as much as she loved having the time with them. She cherished her grandkids dearly and they were a very important part of her life. The holidays were always a grand occasion with her 60 plus family members all gathering in her home, always lots of good food, laughter, and so many memories made.

She will be lovingly remembered and missed by: her four children Marty (Karrie) Carter, Kelly (Pam) Carter, Kim (Brian) VanNeste, and Gina (Brent Hilley) Meyers, thirteen grandchildren; Josh (Kallie), Travis (Jill), Brady (Melissa), Jennie (Lucas), Erica, Emilie, Eric (Shawna), Chris (Jamie), Kacie Jo (Shaun), Paul (Gabrielle), Kellie (Jeremy), Matt (Justina), Rachel (Ryan), 29 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, sister Ruthie Benjamin, brother in law Bernie Wilfong along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paula was preceded in death by her husband Merv, parents Paul and Frieda Desgranges, sister Diana Wilfong, brother in law Jerry Benjamin and daughter in law Brenda Carter.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Koops Funeral Chapel from 5pm until 8pm. Funeral services will be held at the Lakewood Church on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 11am. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Merv in Lakeside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Woodland Women’s Club Scholarship Fund.