Miss Helen Pauline Carter, 104, passed from this life to the next on April 22, 2018. She was born October 14, 1913, in Attala County, the sixth child of William and Molie Carter. She attended grammar and high school in Attala County, graduating from high school at age 14; however, her parents insisted that she wait to attend college until her younger sister, Jeffie, could go with her. She graduated from Blue Mountain College with a double major in English and math. In 1941, she received an M.A. degree in English from the University of Alabama. She also completed a Masters of Education in guidance and counseling from the University of Mississippi.
Pauline began her teaching career at West High School in West, Mississippi, where she taught English. While she was teaching at West, she was awarded a summer scholarship to study with John Dewey at the University of Cincinnati, an opportunity given to one educator in each state. Although she had never been out of the South, she boarded a train by herself and left to spend the summer studying in Ohio. She later described the summer as an amazing experience. She was always eager to experience new adventures, especially if they involved learning. Pauline and her sister Jeffie moved to Jackson in 1942, where she worked in public education for many years. She first served as a teacher and part-time counselor at Central High School. When Murrah High School opened in 1957, she was hired as a counselor and served in that capacity until her retirement in 1980. She was especially skilled at encouraging her students to excell in every way and in assisting her students in applying for college scholarships. Both during and after school hours, she was available to her students, always providing a sympathic ear and words of encouragement. Her students did not want to disappoint her and knew that she would accept no less than their very best. Pauline had a beautiful gift of bringing out the best in those with whom she associated.
Pauline was not only an educator but also a proud member of the U.S. Navy. She interrupted her teaching career to volunteer during World War ll. She served as a WAVE officer from 1943-1946, with part of her duties being to compute trajectory tables for naval battleship guns. After 23 years of committed service to her country, Pauline retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve.
Pauline was always an avid member of her community and dedicated much time and effort to helping others. She volunteered for Stewpot Kitchen, and she was a member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary, Goodwill, and United Way. When she was 96, she was still ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas. She was a hard-working member of many organizations in Jackson: Friends of the Library, Hinds County Mental Health Board, Retired Officers Association, local education associations, AARP, Democratic Women. A few of her numerous awards include Career Contributor Award from Mississippi Guidance Association, Counselor of the Year Award from the University of Southern Mississippi, Goodwill Salute volunteer of the year in 2006, Distinguished Hinds County Democrat of 2012. But the best award for her was always when a former student told her about successfully completing college and having a fulfilling career. She kept track of many of her students for well over 50 years, rejoicing with them in their successes.
Pauline was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where until her health failed, she was treasurer and moderator of Church Circle. She helped with the Meals on Wheels program and served on the Covenant Church Cupboard. After she retired from teaching, she volunteered with the Covenant pre-school program.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sisters, Jeffie Carter, Annie Lee Jackson, and Sudie Crosthwait, and her brothers, Garland Gay Carter, Ray Carter, and T.J. Carter. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her devoted caregivers, Jennifer Stokes and Peaches Watts.
Instead of sending flowers, consider making a contribution to your favorite charity; or if you prefer, honor Pauline‘s memory by providing school supplies for a child in need. Funeral services will be at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Jackson on Saturday April 28, 2018 at 3:00pm with visitation from 1:30-3:00pm.
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