Mrs. Frances Elnora Carter

September 13, 1928 - November 30, 2020

Frances Elnora Moton Carter triumphantly went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, November 30, 2020 at the blessed age of 92. She was born to Nathaniel and Larna Bolden Moton on September 13, 1928 in Saginaw, MI, the sixth of eight children. On July 28, 1951, she married John W. Carter, who survives her after 69 years of marriage. A true servant of God, she devoted her life to helping others, as an educator, community leader, sorority sister and church activist. She broke many barriers and accomplished many firsts in her profession. This is her story. Her Education: Education was her passion. Frances excelled as a product of the Saginaw Public school system attending Potter Elementary, Central Junior High and Saginaw High Schools. She graduated from Saginaw High in 1946. Her educational accomplishments are noteworthy. She attended and graduated from the University of Michigan receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Education and later a master’s degree in Education Administration. She expanded her educational knowledge while taking advanced courses at: Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and the University of California. She had an exemplary college career. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Frances returned to Saginaw and was employed by the Saginaw Public School system in 1951. She initially taught Fifth grade at Potter Elementary School, followed by Arthur Eddy Junior High, and Edith Baillie Elementary School. She was a Remedial Reading Teacher at Arthur Hill High School, Saginaw High School and Adult Education. Noteworthy was the fact that she was the first black to serve in the reading department, as a remedial reading teacher. She also, worked for a short period as a summer school coordinator for compensatory education. Exemplary Educator: Mrs. Frances Carter has been recognized by the Saginaw Public School system as the “First Black Principal” in the history of the school system. In 1973, she was promoted and became the first black Principal at Potter Elementary and then later first black principal at Stone Elementary Schools, located on the west side of Saginaw, MI. She retired in 1991 after 39.7 exemplary years of service. Mrs. Carter was a humanitarian and spent her life giving back to her community. It was second nature for her to help others. She was recognized for her impeccable organization skills, her ability to plan and execute activities whenever needed. She was an extraordinary leader and always demonstrated concern for others. Her life represented her focus on giving back to others, with excellence, culture, and class. Bethel A.M.E. Church Mrs. Carter was a loyal and faithful member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 80 years where she served dutifully. Bethel A.M.E. Church was her passion and her life’s work. She was part of the old Bethel echelon. A few highlights of her service through the years include: • Group leader of Tuesday Night Bible Study • Class leader of class #20 • 2003 Trustee Emeritus, serving as Trustee Secretary for 30 years • Courtesy Committee member • 120, 130, 135, 140, 150th Church anniversary committees. • Operations Andrew Coordinator • Initial Board of Directors, Bethel Federal Credit Union, March 15, 1978 • Charter member of Nurses Guild, founded in 1954, Rev. Snelling • Past Sunday School Teacher • Director of Christian Education (1967-1980) • Quality of Life Tutor, 1984 • Co-Chairman of Women’s Day, 1991 She was consecrated a Deaconess of the African Methodist Episcopal Church by the Rt. Reverend John Franklin White, Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District in July 2016, along with Lola Shelby and Odahlia Rance. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. For over 71 years, Mrs. Frances Carter has provided service to all mankind, through her exemplary support and participation with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Frances Elnora Moton (Carter) was initiated into Beta Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, in 1949 at the University of Michigan. In January 24, 1953, she became a Charter Member of Zeta Beta Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Flint, Michigan; and in 1962, she was one of 12 young women who chartered a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the city of Saginaw, MI. She was the epitome of an Alpha Kappa Alpha women, providing years of support and continuous service to the sorority. In 1967, Frances Carter became the fifth president of Eta Upsilon Omega. Through the years she held various offices of the chapter including Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Membership Chair, Founders Day Chair, and many more. She has been recognized as the Eta Upsilon Omega Charter Member, “Soror of the Year”, Golden Soror and Senior Pearl Award Recipient. Community Service: Her community involvement was broad. She was one of the founders of the Ruben Daniel’s Education Foundation, where she served as acting treasurer, NAACP life member, Friend of Claytor Public Library, and Castle Museum member. Top Ladies of Distinction: Mrs. Frances Carter was a member of the charter group that organized the Top Ladies of Distinction in Saginaw, MI in 1985. As an active member, she served as its President, Historian, and Chair of the Senior Citizen Committee. Honor/Awards: Through the years Mrs. Carter was a recipient of many awards, honors, and accolades. She was especially proud of the recognitions and honors received when becoming “Saginaw’s first black Elementary School Principal” and being a recipient of the NAACP Pioneer Plaque. Other recognitions include a longevity membership plaque (50 years or more) from Bethel A.M.E Church, appointment as Emeritus to the church Trustee Board in 2003, appreciation certificate Quality of Life Tutor (Bethel Department of Christian Education), appointment as September 2006 honorary chairman for Class Leader Banquet. She was the Second recipient of the Women of the Year, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Her files are filled with a myriad of newspaper articles, certificates, plaques, awards and proclamations and testimonies attest to her commitment to education, community, and Christian Services. Mrs. Frances Carter was one of God’s special agents, an angel walking among us here on earth, sent to show all who knew the Father’s love in action. Her pleasing manner, contagious smile, love for life and joyous spirit brought hope to the hopeless, love to the unloved, courage to the discourage, strength to the weary and a friend to the friendless. Her memory will be cherished by her two children, David (Rebecca) Carter and Judyth (Oliver “Rick”) Norris, Grand Blanc. Three grandchildren, David F.A. (Shelley) Carter, Clarkston, MI, John E. W. (Valerie) Carter, Cinebar, WA, Shelbie Norris, Grand Blanc; Her sisters Mamie Short and Ruby Faith Clark. Nieces and nephews include Bette Lynn Ford, Dennis (Gail) Porter, Larry Porter, Detroit, Marsha (Floyd) Carter, Mt. Morris, Alicia Nelson, Deborah (Tommy) McCune, Kevin (Christine) Moton, Audrey (John) Faison, John (Jennifer) Carter, John (Linda) Moton, Jr., Cheryl (George) Mays, Alicia Moton. Godchildren: Cynthia Townsend, Michael Davis, Dee Smith, Pamara Groomes, Corey E. Adams, George Terrence Adams. George Terrance Adams, Sr. Her closest friend and neighbor Zoetta Davis, also, Odahlia Rance and Lola Shelby, and all the members of Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. An extra special thanks: The family wishes to thank the Arevista Home Caregivers; especially Tameka Perkins, Catherine Davis, Karen Perkins, Jared Weaver, Sequoyah Cooper, Merasol Eppinga, and Sharon Hawkins. Mrs. Carter was predeceased by brothers, Charles Moton and John Arthur Moton, sisters, Rev. Susie Claudette Moton, Rosena Moton Ford, and Leonzy Moton Porter. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Visitation will take place on Monday, December 7, 2020 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607. A private service will be held with Pastor Dennis Laffoon officiating. Interment will take place in Oakwood Memorial Mausoleum, 5950 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48601.