RETA JANE NORMAN CARTER

On the first day of class my freshman year, Mrs. Carter pointed me out and told the entire class that I was what she'd always imagined Iago to look like. I loved her ever since. I also had the pleasure of singing with her in the church choir. A beautiful and personable lady, she will always be remembered fondly.

I have so many wonderful memories of Reta --- being in the Carter home as a teenager, she calmly playing Beethoven on the piano while kids and dogs (Tripod!) ran wildly around the house, having lovely intense conversations with her that were so learned and intellectual to my young mind. She was unique among all the adults I knew, and I wanted to grow up to be just like her.

My Freshman year at Wayland (1970) Mrs. Carter called me in her office and chewed me out for keeping my head in the sand..Next year in class we were discussing 4 poets and she said Mr. Taylor(scared me to death) what did you think of the poets you read last nite...I said they reminded me of the Beatles..she said now that is what I was talking about last year...I love it...

Reta was such an amazing, funny, warm, wonderful human being and brilliant educator. I went back to finish my degree at Wayland as a "non-traditional" older student and took her World Literature class. It had been a long time since I had written a paper, and Reta encouraged me so much that I decided to work through the fear and do it anyway....she gave me an A-, and I treasured it! I still have it in a box of papers. Jane, Robert, Page and Mary, please know that Reta's memory will be...

No greater educator, friend, mentor, nor patron the fine arts has ever appear so common yet in reality been such a free and unique mystery as even William Blake might not have dared attempt her explanation. Grey did indeed share her sharp sense of humor freely with others and was always keenly interested in how they lived and thought about their lives. That and so much more, made us love her then, love her now, and love her always.

Mrs. Carter taught me Modern Drama in the early 80's. I admired her knowledge, her passion, and her ability to make Antigone relevant to 20 year olds who thought we already knew everything!
Jean Eversole Whitfield

I have such happy memories of being in Reta's home as a teenager. She was always gracious and welcoming whether it was one teen or a dozen! She was special and made great contributions with a life well lived. Remembering her with fondness and thinking of her family with love. Charlotte Adams

One of the most passionate teachers I've ever had. She brought literature to life.