“If I can help somebody, as I pass along; If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song; If I can show somebody that he’s traveling wrong; Then my living shall not be in vain.” – Alma Hazel Androzzo

Carolyn Carter 9/20/1926 – 5/28/2026 Detroit On the afternoon of Thursday, May 28, 2026, Carolyn Carter of Detroit, Michigan peacefully passed away in her sleep surrounded by loved ones.

Carolyn Carter, for nearly 100 years, spent a life impacting communities, people and souls. Carolyn was born Carolyn Simmons, on September 20, 1926, in Brundidge, Alabama to her God-fearing parents Charlie “Sam” Simmons and Marie Miller. She was the second of three children and was affectionately called “Roach” due to her small size at birth. Her family relocated to Detroit in 1942, which provided her with many opportunities to shape lives, touch souls, and teach values and principles that transcend time. Carolyn married Homer Carter Jr. on July 7, 1947. They raised their family with limited resources during a time of social change with each one bearing and yielding intangible fruits. All their children matriculated to a university, with nine earning a master’s degree or greater; while she herself obtained an associate degree from Wayne State University.

Carolyn's influence extended well beyond her family. She opened her doors to neighbors when they were in need physically, emotionally and spiritually. She offered guardianship for minors when their parents couldn’t, a role model for others to emulate on womanhood; food for empty stomachs; and prayers for those searching for answers. Her caring was a guiding force throughout her 22 years working for the Detroit Board of Education (DBE), as an Assistant Community Agent, retiring in 1988.

Carolyn’s commitment to the betterment of living and community was underscored by her willingness to be an active and engaged participant. She served on the DBE Building Committee for Owens, Spain, Pelham and Murray Wright schools; chaired the Chaney School Community Council; chaired the DBE Region One convention; served on the Detroit School District United States District Court Monitoring Commission; and chaired the Parent Club for Regional Millage. Carolyn was a voice for “right” and a doer for “improvement”. She fully accepted the role of mentor, coach, and agent for change. She extended herself knowing that she was a vehicle and blessing from God.

Carolyn’s greatest influence or impact was her tremendous selfless service and dedication to her faith and church. She served in numerous roles at Messiah Baptist Church, after joining the congregation in 1954. She held multiple positions at local, state, and national levels that included: Sunday School Teacher, Dean of Education – Messiah Baptist Church; Recording and Financial Secretary – for both the District and State Baptist Missionary Education Convention and Congress of Christian Education; and teacher on specific topics within the realm of Christian living.

Carolyn, or Momma Carter, leaves behind a large blood and “adopted” family as well as her Christian family, to serve as her legacy that “her living was not in vain.” She is survived by those keeping her memories alive for generations to come: Dr. Gertrude Sandra Carter (Louis Smolensky) four children, Dr. Homer Earl Carter (Toni) one child, Carol Jean Turnbough (Javan) three children, Janice Marie Redeemer (Lester) six children, Kenneth Carter (Maria) two children, Keith Carter (Pamela) five children, Anita Denise Bing (Johnnie) five children, Don Carter, Dr. Derrick Richie Carter and Dennis James Carter, Sr. (Wynda – deceased) two children and several nieces and nephews. They will tell of her wisdom, understanding, tolerance and love of the Lord to her 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren, and countless adoptive spiritual and neighborhood children. They will pass on her love of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, helping others, cooking, singing songs of praise and quoting God’s Word. “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8).

Caroyln will be set to rest at Detroit Memorial Park East. Donations in Carolyn’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Children’s Miracle Network. A service will be held on Monday, June 8th at Messiah Baptist Church in Detroit at 11:00 a.m., with a Family Hour starting at 10:00 a.m.