Grace Carter was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on November 28, 1920. From the moment she arrived, she spread joy and love whereever she went. To her two younger brothers. Her parents. Her extended family. Her always vast circle of friends. She danced. She traveled. She graduated in 1938, then went to University of Minnesota to study art. Didn't like being told what art should be. Went to cosmetology school instead. Graduated again. Danced. Laughed. And traveled some more.
In 1945, she brought that love to Corpus Christi, Texas. Married Alton L. Carter, a native South Texan then serving in the Navy. Together they built a very happy life: seven children (Therese Ann, John, Sharon, Kathy, Joanne, Jean, and Joe), 20 grandchildren, dozens more great grandchildren. Friends and family too numerous to count. So many friends. So many parties. So much love.
Grace traveled the world several times. She brought her powerfully unique style to homes across the country--her own and those of the many family and friends grateful for the decorating advice she so readily and persistently offered. Home decorator. Fashion designer. Party planner. Matchmaker. Mother. Grandmother. Great grandmother. Best friend. Confidant. Adviser. Intellectual (though she always hated school, Grace has always been one of the smartest people we've ever met. During many family tournaments of Trivial Pursuit, everyone fights to get Grace on their team).
She touched everyone she met, with her quick wit, always positive outlook, incredible charm, deep love, and persistent faith. No one who ever met her can possibly ever forget her. No one who has ever met her can help but love her. Adore her. Cherish her.
Never a shrinking violet, Grace taught us the importance of strength and love.
She taught us to enjoy life but to take life seriously. She taught us to think for ourselves but always think of others. She taught us to reach out to those in need. To help. To support. To take risks. To be creative.
She loved us. She laughed with us. She cared for us. She danced. She sang.
She taught us that people matter. Always. And faith matters. Always.
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