CAROLYN BETH CARTER

CAROLYN BETH CARTER Carolyn Beth Carter, 81, of Ardmore, passed away on September 22, 2025, at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City. Born Carolyn Beth Ratliff on June 26, 1944, in Fillmore, California, to William and Neoma Ratliff, Carolyn spent her childhood in Wirt, Okla., alongside her brother, Larry. She was a proud graduate of Dundee High School, where she was both a cheerleader and Salutatorian. It was there she met the love of her life, Jimmy Carter. The two were married on November 1, 1963, at the Wirt Baptist Church parsonage, beginning a lifelong partnership that spanned more than 62 years. Carolyn pursued studies at Ardmore Beauty School and devoted herself to her family. She was a loving wife, a dedicated mother to their son, James Michael, and affectionately known as "Ne Na" to her nieces and nephews. During the years Jim pursued his pharmacy degree, the family lived on various college campuses, eventually settling in Ardmore in 1969. Carolyn became co-owner of Steele Drug in 1982 and worked as the bookkeeper for more than 20 years. Above all, Carolyn cherished her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is remembered as a woman who loved deeply, cared sincerely for others, and found great joy in family. She enthusiastically cheered on her beloved Oklahoma Sooners and could often be found supporting her son Mike's performances with Red River and Billy J. Steel and her husband Jim in his guest appearances with his harmonica. Though she did not attend in person, Carolyn faithfully participated in the services of First Baptist Church of Ardmore through its television ministry. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Neoma Ratliff; and her nephew, William Larry Ratliff Jr. Carolyn is survived by her devoted husband, James Newton Carter; her son, James Michael Carter (Diana); grandchildren, James Colton Carter (Madi), Matthew Frederick (Rachel), and Elizabeth Tolbert (TJ); great-grandchildren, Elaina, Elissa, Aubree, Cason, Kira, and Ellis. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Ratliff (Lori); sister-in-law, Nancy Hoskins (Larry); brother-in-law, John Carter (Rhonda); nieces, Lea Ann Ratliff, Pam Cox (Tony), Chris Hearn, and Kaleigh Carter; nephew, Collin Carter; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Craddock Memorial Chapel in Ardmore, Oklahoma with Dr. Alton Fannin officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, also at Craddock Funeral Home. Caroline's greatest legacy is the love she shared with her family and community. Her warmth, kindness, and devotion will be cherished and remembered always.