Darlene Carter's Obituary
Decatur- Darlene N. Carter, 81, of Decatur, died at 11:06 a.m. Sunday (July 29, 2012) in St. Mary's Hospital with her family by her side.
A funeral service to celebrate Darlene's life will be 11:00 am Friday, August 3, 2012 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7 pm Thursday night at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery and conclude with the “Flight Home” ceremony. Memorials are suggested to The Park District and American Heart Association.
Darlene was born on August 26, 1930 in Decatur, the daughter of Donald and Mary L. Heflin Richardson. She was employed at Decatur Memorial Hospital for 25 years and went on to work at the Decatur Park District at the John's Hill Senior Center retiring in 2004. She enjoy spending time at the center playing cards, going to dinner shows, casino trips, and events taking place at the center. She would help out whenever she was needed and enjoyed meeting all the special people who attended.
She married Willard A. Carter, Sr. on May 25, 1951 in Decatur, IL. They were married for 42 years until Willard's passing on Nov. 27, 1993. Survivors: her daughter; Linda (Rodney, Sr.) Hartman, son; Eugene R. Carter (Krista Frisby) both of Decatur.Grandchildren: Lesley A. Imel, Chad S. Imel, and Michael R. Carter, II, all of Decatur.
Great grandchildren: Alizabeth N. Imel, Zoey R. Carter, and Michael R. Carter, III, all of Decatur.
Brother: William E. Cole of Decatur
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two sons.
Sons deceased are; Willard A. Carter, Jr. Feb. 24, 2010 and Michael R. Carter, Sr. July 29, 2005.
Many wonderful friends and neighbors she enjoyed working and spending time with will remember her as a special fun loving person, devoted wife, mother, and friend to many.
Special thanks to Dana, Jamie, Al, Karen, and Carol for all the love and support shown to our mother. It is deeply appreciated. Also a special thank you to Dr. Clark, Dr. Baumberger, the Doctor and nurses at St. Mary's who were there at our time of need.
Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss & ends with a teardrop. Love now and forever.
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