WAYCROSS — Beloved wife, mother and friend to many, Kaye Woodard Carter, 70, transitioned into her eternal resting place Friday, June 30, 2023, in the presence of beloved family at Memorial Satilla Health after a brief illness.
Holidays held a special place in her heart because it meant the gathering of family. As we’re coming up on the 4th of July weekend, timing of her passing is more than a coincidence and of no surprise to those who knew her. She came into this world as a firecracker and will continue to rejoice in heaven with the boom of fireworks as she makes her entrance through the pearly white gates.
Born in 1953 to the late John and Faye Woodard, Mrs. Carter has not for one second been alone in this world as her twin sister, Pat, presented 10 minutes prior to help guide her through life.
In addition, Mrs. Carter has always been protected by her other four siblings, Thurman, Kathi, Stubby and Woody — always surrounded by love and affection.
After a brief childhood in Chicago, Ill., southeast Georgia has been Mrs. Carter’s permanent residence for the past 60 years. She made a home with the love of her life, Joe, and together they blended their families to include four sons and a special niece, whom she groomed as her own. Often, Mrs. Carter would open in up her home to family and other people’s children to help in their time of need as well.
In keeping with her “southern persona,” Mrs. Carter relished in activities that included antiquing, crafting and mastering her genealogy skills. Cooking, however, was her favorite pastime. Pork chops appeared to have been a much desired meal as family and friends would stop by at the slightest inkling that they were being prepared.
Of course, sweat tea and butter were two of her favorites. Currently unfinished, she was working on a recipe book that included titles such as “Wendell’s Peach Cobbler” and “Lena’s Deviled Eggs.” Paula Deen had nothing on her talents.
One cannot forget her love and compassion towards her much loved animals. It was nothing to come across cats, dogs, chickens, and even a peacock free ranging in the yard when you visited. Horses also were present at one time, too.
They were all were named, and she knew each one’s personality. She would console and scold them as if they were her own children. “Frank Carter’s Opinions” was a popular monologue on social media portrayed by her venerated feline prior to his passing that often would leave you rolling on the floor in laughter. She had a gift for writing, to say the least.
All of this leads into the most important value in Mrs. Carter’s life — family. She enjoyed seeing everyone together, families blending collectively, and watching grand and great grand kids growing up. She always wanted everyone “home” and she meant that one last time obviously.
Forever in our hearts and never with a memory lost she will remain. She was a member of Swamp Road Baptist Church. Rest assured, she is completely healed in mind, body, and soul, and entertaining the heavens above with her southern essence.
Along with her parents, John Dolan Woodard and Nellapha Brown Woodard, Mrs. Carter also was preceded in death by one brother, John Thurman Woodard; and one sister, Kathleen Woodard Jackson.
Mrs. Carter is survived by her husband, Joseph Carter of Waycross; five children, Wendell Justice. Jr., of Springfield Mass., Ronnie Carter and his wife, Dana, of Blackshear, Toby Justice and his wife, Angie, of Waycross, Alvin Cater and his wife, Edie, of Blackshear, and Tiffany Harkleroad and her husband, Jason, of Blackshear; 10 grandchildren, Jett Justice, Alex Justice, Tyson Justice, Julianna Justice, Gavin Carter, Grayson Carter, Lena Mixon and her husband, Bryce, Lily Carter, Jocelyn Anderson and Hutcheson “Hutch” Harkleroad; one great grandchild Mayleigh Mixon; a sister, Patricia Havener and husband, the Rev. Gary Havener; two brothers, William Brantley “Bill” Woodard and his wife, Glenda, of Waycross and Benjamin “Lee” Woodard and his wife, Charlotte, of St. Simons Island; a brother-in-law, Jimmy Carter of Blackshear; a sister-in-law, Lewanna Strickland of Blackshear; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, in the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Waters Cemetery in Blackshear.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com.
