Jane Willcox Odom Carter, born in Ocala, FL on March 5, 1931, died peacefully at home on July 27, 2017 in Atlanta, GA. Born to the late Herbert Hinson Odom and Martha Ruth Willcox Odom, Jane graduated from the University of Montevallo in Alabama and attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond pursuing graduate studies in Social Work. Jane began her career as a child welfare social worker, with a passion for serving others with energy and enthusiasm. She established a Protective Service program for children with the Department of Family and Children Services, which was the first of its kind in Georgia. She later became the Director of Child Development for DHR, contracting with community-based day care providers serving approximately 12,000 children each year.
After retiring from DHR, Jane was called by her former pastor and friend, Reverend C.R. Hill, to serve as Program Director of McDonough First United Methodist Church until 1994. Her love for the church and for the Lord led her to give of herself in serving others in all the ways she could. Jane was an active former member and leader of St. James United Methodist and Peachtree Road United Methodist for many years, then later joined McDonough First United Methodist serving on many committees and groups everywhere she went. She taught adult Sunday School and helped start the Disciple Bible Study program, influencing the spiritual journey of many. Jane was an avid reader and great communicator with a brilliant mind. Always willing to listen and offer wise counsel, she welcomed long conversations with friends and family.
She was devoted to her children and granddaughters and to a large extended family of aunts and uncles and cousins. She loved to share stories of her family heritage. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames and the Rhododendron Women's Club, and a former member of the Atlanta Junior Committee of the Symphony.
Jane and her late husband, Edward (Pete) Carter loved their retirement years with travels across the country and time spent at their beloved St. Simons Island with family and friends.
She is survived by a daughter, Martha Christopher and son-in-law, Jay, and a son, Al Fleetwood Jr; grandchildren Allison Christopher, Elizabeth Christopher and Rebecca Christopher and many extended family. Our family is eternally grateful to Jane's caregivers for the love and care they provided, especially Kim Grasty who was devoted to both Jane and her late husband and became like family.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 2 at 11:00am in the Moore Chapel at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA, with Dr. C.R. Hill and Dr. William J. Britt officiating. Funeral arrangements by HM Patterson & Son Oglethorpe Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.
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