Derral Marie Carter

And then there was me. If you expect to see anything negative about this person in this part, you're in for a surprise. I'll leave that to my critics.

I learned years ago that there isn't anyone qualified to judge me but God and that He is the only one that I have to please. Yes, I fail miserably! But, one day at a time, I take the hand dealt to me and make the most of it. I have found that through all the heartaches, disappointments, and loss of loved ones, God is true to His word. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." One of my favorite verses in the Bible, Matthew 6:34.

I have been blessed far greater than I could have ever dreamed. I have been able to have varied jobs and have learned from each of them. The most rewarding was, and is, working with children. The one that caused me to "pray without ceasing" and has allowed me to retire was the parole board. So, a fast rundown of the jobs, and that's enough about me.

My second term with the telephone company was from 1965-67 when we came back from Louisiana. We had been stationed in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the England Air Force Base for about three and one-half years. Kitty developed bronchitis shortly after we moved to Louisiana, and her condition continued to worsen. The doctor told us she would never get better in that climate. Troy didn't want to move because he didn't want a "medical transfer" on his military records. I told him what he could do with his military records, and the kids and I moved back to Austin - never to move again!

From 1967-68, I worked at a daycare center teaching pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. In 1968, I worked part-time for an oil and gas consultant copying data from hearing files of the Texas Railroad Commission. I went to work for the Board of Pardons and Paroles in 1969 and transferred to the Railroad Commission in 1971.

In 1972, I went to work for another daycare center as the director and kindergarten teacher. THen in 1973, I went back to the Railroad Commission until 1975. I worked in the bookkeeping department for a florist from 1975 to 1976, at which time I returned to the Board of Pardons and Paroles and continued there until I retired July 31, 1992. For the parole board, I worked as a clerk typist, a secretary, and clerical supervisor. I retired as an Administrative Technician IV.

As you continue your life, there will be happy times, sad times, and many disappointments, but if you keep God as your guide, you will make it regardless of the circumstances. It may not be what you wanted, but I have learned in my almost 91 years that there will be better times, maybe not in this life on earth, but when we get to heaven.

For the winter is passed.

The Rain is over and gone.

The Flowers are springing up.

And the time of the singing of the birds has come.

- Song of Solomon 2:11-12

A Committal Service will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, on Monday July 20, 2026, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate to your local church or a charity of your choice.