Pamela Darensbourg Carter

" Pamela Darensbourg Carter quietly traveled home to our Heavenly Father on Friday, October 28, 2016.  She was 66 years old.  Pam, as she was affectionately known by her friends and loved ones, was born September 16, 1950, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; the second of five children, and the eldest daughter of the Henry Marvin and Virginia Darensbourg.  This exquisite beauty and gentle spirit served as the mother hen, a voice of reason and committed caretaker throughout much of her life.  Pam attended St Francis Xavier elementary school, St. Anthony Catholic High School and graduated from Redemptorist High School in Baton Rouge.  She studied at Louisiana State University and met Alexander Joseph Carter, III, whom she would later marry.  But the jewel in her crown was the birth of her only child, Kellie Theresa.  Pam's kind heart and generous spirit touched almost everyone she encountered, no matter how briefly.  She worked for many years in the behavioral health field, helping teens and young adults overcome addiction and trauma.  Her hugs were warm and full and she was always ready to give a kiss and say "I love you". Later in life, she spent many years working in the East Baton Rouge Parish Court system, where she became a mother hen and confidante to so many of her co-workers.  She took great pride in doing her job well.  An avid reader and lover of R&B and soul music, she found happiness in simple, authentic exchanges and experiences, whether eating out with friends or dancing around the house to her favorite song.  A selfless person, Pam was not one to ask for help or even share her own challenges, instead choosing to carry her crosses alone.  It is safe to say Kellie was the center of her universe and, much to Kellie's chagrin, just about the only topic of conversation Pam was truly interested in.  She poured all of her grace, passion and love into her only child and by sheer force of will, set Kellie on a life path far different than her own.  It is said "To love someone deeply gives you courage and to be deeply loved gives you strength".  Pam faced every day with the courage of her convictions for her daughter, and later, her grandchildren, Aiden and Che'.  She left no doubt that they "were the love she speaks of", as she so often said.  Her Aiden Blais and Poppey, as she called them, fulfilled a lifetime dream for her "“ they made her a "Momo" and she held that title with tremendous pride and honor.  Pam leaves to celebrate her life her daughter, Kellie (Alvin) Hope, two amazing grandchildren, Aiden Blais Theresa Hope and Alvin Kirkley, Hope, III (Che'); her mother, Virginia Darensbourg; two devoted best friends, Judy Francisco and Linda Darensbourg; two brothers, Matt (Caroline) and Barry Darensbourg; a sister, Patrice (Vincent) Watkins; nieces, nephews, family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Marvin Darensbourg, Sr and her brother, Marvin, Jr.  Services will be held Friday, November 4, 2016 at St Francis Xavier Church, 1120 Myrtle Ave, Baton Rouge, LA.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by recitation of the rosary at 10:30.  Memorial mass celebrated by Father Ed Chiffriller at 11:00 am.  Arrangements handled by Rabenhorst Funeral Home.