Arrie Lee Carter

Arrie Lee O. Rochester Carter, one of the most loving individuals you would ever meet, began her life’s journey on December 4, 1932, and transitioned from this life on April 14, 2019, at the seasoned age of 86. She was one of 14 children of the late Mifflin & Angeline Rochester. Her education began at Country School in Sharptown, Maryland. She later attended Henry Highland Garnett School in Chestertown, Maryland. Arrie Lee was affectionately known by Lee, Ma’Vah, Mom, Momma, Grandma, Mum-Mum, and Auntie, names that truly characterize the wonderful woman that she was. She was a mother to many and readily received strangers with open arms. When she called you “Sweetie”, you knew you were at home. She loved cooking for her family and was known for her famous rice pudding, macaroni & cheese, homemade pancakes, and those good ole biscuits. Arrie Lee was joined in matrimony to Earl Edward Carter on May 20, 1963. She worked in numerous fields to support her family, including the Oyster House in Rock Hall, where she shucked oysters & clams, along with her sisters and she also worked for private families, cooking & cleaning homes. Her passion was doing hair. She was one of the best hairstylist in Edesville. Everybody came, women& men. She could do some finger waves like none other. She learned from her father, who was a barber. Arrie Lee was multi-talented. She played the piano (self -taught), and had the voice of an angel. As one of the lead singers, her bellowing voice could shake the rafters in the old churches, especially when she took the lead on “Beams of Heaven as I Go”, a favorite of many. She could go from baritone to soprano with ease. Heaven has gained a voice in the heavenly choir. Arrie Lee was a faithful member of Holy Trinity A.M.E. Church in Edesville, Maryland, where she was the lead musician and choir member, following in the path of her mother, who was a long time pianist at Holy Trinity. Arrie Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Mifflin & Angeline Rochester; her daughter, Judith Elaine Needam; son, Lindwood Armstead; sisters, Rachel James, Hamiltine Garrett, Floretta Williamson, and Baby Girl Rochester; and brothers, Wilford, Russell, Milburn, Wardell, Rudolph, and Sylvester Rochester. She leaves to deeply cherish her memory, her husband Earl; her sons, Andre and Wayne (Audrey); grandchildren, Ryan (Charon), Delmas (Samanda), Chere, Hendrix (Shawna), Shane, Marcus and Lamar; 14 great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; sisters, Jean Sisco, Annette Glover, and Phyllis Sisco; nephew, Cornell Rochester, who was raised with the family; sisters-in-law, Eunice, Doris, and Peggy Carter, Claretha, Beulah, and Beatrice; brothers-in law, Jimmy, Phillip & Robert Carter; special devoted niece, Lenora Henry; devoted niece, Prinda Gamage & cousin, Algie Marvel; devoted nephews, Bishop Charles Tilghman, Gregory Rochester and Sherbet Sisco; special devoted friends, Janie Cornish, Marietta Butler and Renee Barrett; and a host of nieces & nephews, family & friends.

Arrie Lee Carter

December 4, 1932 - April 14, 2019