Virginia "Jewel" Carter

Jewel attended Chandler Public School and graduated with the class of 1962, where she was very active in sports, music, FHA, pep club, cheer, and the Friends Church youth group. Jewel started working part-time at age 15 and continued working throughout high school. Upon graduation, she moved to Midwest City, Oklahoma, where she found full-time employment that she truly enjoyed.

In March 1963, Jewel married Robert W. Mills, and together they raised two daughters, Rhonda and Paige. While she was caring for their small children, she studied business classes at Central State College. When her eldest daughter started school in Midwest City, OK she became deeply involved in PTA activities, including PTA President. During these years, Jewel worked part-time as the sole welcome hostess for “That Welcome Lady, Inc,” greeting newcomers to Midwest City.

After moving to Broken Arrow, OK in 1972, Jewel continued her dedication to volunteering at her daughters’ school activities and Methodist Church youth groups. Her career spans several areas from Office Manager for the 2nd largest Rural Water District in the State, which is in Wagoner County, being involved with personal rental properties, and various secretarial jobs.

After moving back to the Oklahoma City area in 1992, Jewel earned her Real Estate License and attained her certification as a Travel Agent. She continued to manage her rental properties and worked in Apartment Management.

Jewel treasured spending time with family and friends, entertaining, traveling, volunteering for various nonprofit organizations, dancing, playing slots, and gardening -- growing vegetables, planting trees, and beautiful flower gardens at every place she lived throughout her lifetime. Jewel cared deeply for her family and friends. She made a point of regularly checking in with her large extended family, serving as a vital link to keep everyone connected.

In June 2002, she married Roger D. Carter in Annapolis, Maryland. She welcomed three new stepchildren to her family, hosting them for Thanksgiving dinner 2001. Roger and Jewel cherished family gatherings and entertained them often. Together, they took pride in maintaining a beautiful yard and flower gardens, a joy they shared for many years. In their younger years, they hosted many cookouts and parties and loved to entertain friends and family.

Jewel was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Anna Wooden; brothers, Lewis Wooden, Charles Wooden, George Wooden, Robert Jr Wooden; sisters, Connie Davidson, Vi Wooden, and Ann Davidson; stepson John R. Carter; and nieces Marilyn, Carolyn, Barbara, and Joyce.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Carter; daughters, Rhonda Mills (St Louis, MO), Paige Mills-Haag and her husband Kim Haag (Columbia, MD); grandchildren Joshua and Kelly; step-children Jason Carter (OKC, OK), Anna and Mike Peck (Mifflintown, PA); step grandchildren; Cody, Brandon, John, and Andriana; as well as nieces and nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

In accordance with Jewel’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Her private burial at New Zion Cemetery in Chandler, Oklahoma will take place at a later date.

Her family wishes to express their gratitude to everyone who loved Jewel and was a part of her wider circle of connection.