Joan Olivia Carter

Joan Olivia Carter departed this life in the Christiana Hospital on May 27, 2020, surrounded by her children. She was born August 3, 1948, to the late Bernice Olivia and Hinton McCoy Carter, in Pendleton, North Carolina. Joan was the first granddaughter to be born on both sides of her family and was a beautiful bundle of joy. Joan received her education in the Wilmington, Delaware, Public School System and graduated from the historical Howard High School. Several years later, Joan attended Delaware Technical Community College and that led to a pathway for gainful employment with Wilmington Trust Bank. She worked there until 1990, when she retired due to a sudden illness. Joan was a faithful member of Greater Bethel Apostolic Temple (GBAT), currently named New Destiny Fellowship, for many years, under the Pastoral Care of Dr. Thomas W. Weeks, Sr. The GBAT family remained very dear to her heart. After her illness, her friends, Sister Carolyn Brown, Sister Sherry Manlove and their families continued to pick her up for Sunday services; which she relished every thriving moment. In spite of her illness, Joan went on to attend The School of the Warrior (SOW) Ministerial School, Media, Pennsylvania, with her Sister Carolyn. She was Blessed to be chosen as the “Honorary Student of the Year”, 1992, under the founder, Pastor Dorrine Jones. In 2000, she moved to Laurel, Maryland, with her daughter, Yana, to care for her. She then attended Jericho City of Praise, Landover, Maryland, under the Pastoral Care of Apostle Dr. Betty P. Peebles. Like King David, Joan was glad when they said unto her, “let us go into the house of the Lord”. Younger years she loved to bake, play softball and travel…and girlfriend still loved to travel when the opportunity arose. Her recent years were spent as a resident of Regal Heights Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, until she became ill. Joan’s Regal Motto was: “Let’s Smile and Get Along Since We Have To Be Here!” Living her life at Regal Heights, Joan had finally found a place of belonging and satisfaction. There, she was well loved and had many faithful friends. An average day at Regal Heights for Joan was keeping herself active. Whether at therapy, engaging with word search puzzles, Bingo, Pokeno, arts & crafts, music, church, weekly manicures, cooking classes, Wii games, hanging with family and friends, or group outings…she was there and enjoyed all of it. Often you would find Joan encouraging other residents with a smile, sharing the goodness of the Lord or just releasing a peaceful atmosphere. Though she was full of compassion she knew how to put her foot down when needed. Along with her parents Joan was also preceded in death by her brother, Charles L. and sister, E. Marie Carter. Joan leaves to cherish her memories, her daughters, Shalin “Shay” Carter of New Castle, DE and Yana Carter of Laurel, MD; son, Jaimin L. Carter, Wilmington, DE; grandchildren, Sheree, Lynda, LeShe`, and Jaimin D. Carter, Corrine Fawra; Jaimere Robbins, and Jaiden Carter all of Wilmington, DE.; great-grandchildren, Zion Dixon, Na`Sari Wilson, Demaryius Lacey and Asia and India Fawra; great-great-grandchildren, Kayden and Armani Lolly-Fawra. There was a special place in her heart for her children and all of her ‘grands’. Also left to treasure her memories are sisters, Carolyn H. Carter, Wilmington, DE; Patience “Payta” Ponzo, New Castle, DE and Victoria “Butter” Ponzo, Wilmington, DE; aunt, Vera Walters (matriarch), Virginia Beach, VA; uncle, Willie Gary Carter (patriarch), Washington, DC; uncle, Leon Phillips and aunt, Dee Phillips of Eatontown, NJ; aunt, Linda Phillips of Durham, NC; two god-brothers, Thomas L. Glaze of Washington State and Stern E. Green of Wilmington, DE, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joan possessed a humor and pleasant demeanor throughout her illness and loved to exalt the name of Jesus until her transition. Joan will be truly missed and always in our hearts. Many thanks to New Destiny, Abounding Grace, Jericho City of Praise, and Regal Heights Families, DAST Transportation, as well as, Bennie Smith Funeral Home, especially staff member, Jewel Tatuem. We appreciate all those who helped to enrich Joan’s life; whether through supportive services or acts of kindness toward our beloved, Joan O. Carter. Sincerely, Her Family!

Joan Olivia Carter

August 3, 1948 - May 27, 2020