Georgia Carter

Georgia Carter

Loudon, TN

Georgia Ruth (McCrary) Carter, was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She passed away on May 31, at the extraordinary age of 98. She was a remarkably independent, spirited and intelligent woman. She was born in Philadelphia, Tenn., where she later married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Carter, at the age of 16-all "much to the surprise of their friends and family," as the local newspaper reported at the time. They had a long and wonderful marriage, and two children, Robert McCrary Carter of Knoxville, Tenn. and Ann Carter Haun of Madisonville, Tenn. Following the passing of her husband in 1981, Georgia Ruth-JuJu to all who knew her-moved to Loudon, Tenn. She traveled extensively with friends: the Grand Canyon, England, Hawaii and beyond. She was an avid gardener, who loved zinnias and hated squirrels. She was a skilled cook who could whip up a mean chocolate pie at a moment's notice. She was an accomplished knitter. She adored driving. She enjoyed game shows, particularly the "Family Feud." She took pride in her home, and spent many evenings entertaining family and friends on her carport/patio.

She loved her children and her children's spouses, Gail Carter of Knoxville and Sam Haun of Madisonville. She doted on her grandchildren: Debbie Carter of Denver, Co.; Carter Haun and his wife Ashley Lee Haun of Loudon; Bryan Carter of Knoxville; and Michael Haun of Orlando, Fla. And she relished in being a great grandmother to Georgia Kate Haun of Loudon. Not only do they share a name, they share a kindred spirit. She is survived by these family members as well as her sister in-law, Vivian McCrary; nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Wilia James and Blanche (Fleenor) McCrary; sister, Reba Randle and brother, Hal McCrary.

While the family mourns her loss, they also recognize that she lived a life worthy of a celebration. The family would like to extend its appreciation to the staff of Sweetwater Hospital, Scott Bowman, Dr. Eric Postan, Dr. Chris Bowman, Amedysis Hospice, and the staff of Wood Village for the extraordinary care they provided to JuJu in the last year of her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Philadelphia United Methodist Church or to the Mid-East Community Action Agency, 1000 Bradford Way, Kingston, TN 37763.

Services honoring and remembering Georgia Ruth Carter will be held 2:00 PM Sunday in the Philadelphia United Methodist Church, 400 Church St. Philadelphia, TN 37846. Dr. Sam Haun and Rev. Ed Donley officiating. Interment to follow in Roberson Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday, June 4th in the McGill-Karnes Chapel, 406 Wharf St. Loudon, TN. www.mcgillkarnes.com