The funeral services for the late "Mother" Johnnie Mae Carter of 141 Hill Road, Sylvester, Georgia, who departed this life on Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at her residence will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. from the Unity Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia, Reverend Sherrod Cooper, Sr., officiating, Eulogy will be given by Pastor E. Terrell Carter. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden Cemetery in Sylvester, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the "Shipps Funeral Home" Facebook page.

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Hall Carter, affectionately known as Mama Carter, was born in Worth County, GA on April 16, 1932 to the late Mr. John Henry Hall and the late Mrs. Emma Lamar Hall. She was the second oldest of five children born to this union. Three siblings preceded her in death Irene, James, and Melvin Hall.

At an early age, Johnnie Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and joined the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorage of Reverend Tippy Reed Marlin. During her time at New Bethel, she served as Usher Board President, sang in the Choir, and a Sunday School teacher, and was the Youth Advisor in the St. Paul Baptist Association Union Meeting. Later she moved her membership to Greater New Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorage of Pastor E. Terrell Carter, where she served as a member of the Church’s Mother’s Ministry for four years.

She was a 1951 graduate of Oak Hill High School where she served as Treasurer of the Senior Class. She later attended Washington Beauty School in Albany, GA and became a licensed beautician. She was the first African American woman in Sylvester, GA to own and operate a beauty salon alongside Mrs. Mary R. Hall. Together they mastered the press and curl and the finger waves.

She was married to the late Mr. Ernest Carter Sr. for 64 years. This union was blessed with six children one preceded them in death, Andre Carter.

Over the years, she was a faithful and dedicated employee of Oxford Manufacturing, Bank of Worth County, Worth Community Hospital (now Phoebe Worth Hospital) and later Sylvester Housing Authority. She served her community tirelessly and lovingly. She was a mother figure, mentor, caregiver, and friend to all who knew and loved her. Her smile was infectious and her words were soothing and comforting.

On August 3, 2021, Mama Carter peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at her home surrounded by her daughters. Her work here on this Earth was done.

She leaves to cherish her memories and legacy to her children, Brenda Gail Jones, Dr. Marilyn Carter, Ernest Carter Jr. (Delores), Anthony Carter (Latorsha), and Pastor E. Terrell Carter all of Sylvester, GA; a loving and devoted sister Mrs. Verdis (John) Richey, of Decatur, GA. Four sister in laws, Mrs. Sandra (Ira, Sr.) White of Sylvester, GA; Mrs. Georgia (Tony) May of Albany, GA, Mrs. Flora Mae Braswell of Easley, SC, Mrs. Rhunette Carter- Stephens of Sebring, FL, and one brother in law, Thomas Carter Sr. of Easley, SC. Thirteen grandchildren, Derrick (Michelle), Jeffrey, Shamonica, Jammerick (Jalesa), Johnathan, Jason, Shabreka, Ashley, Malik, Brandon, Lorenzo Richey, Wanda Richey-Potts, and (Chauncey Terrell, deceased). Eighteen great grandchildren. One Aunt, Hattie Mae Johnson Walker of California, One adopted daughter, Carolyn Gordon, Valdosta, GA. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted children and grandchildren, and friends. Special thanks to Edward Bass, M.D. as well as her additional caregivers, Mrs. Ada Mae Woodard, Ms. Peggy Ransom, Ms. Frances Proctor, Ms. Ann Richardson, and Ms. Marilyn Fulton.