Geraldine "Dena" Carter

Geraldine Carter, affectionately known as "Dena" by her family and friends, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Dena was born on September 8, 1947, in Eufaula, Alabama, to Willie James Swindle Sr. and Hattie Pearl Bush. She received her education through Kalamazoo Public Schools and later worked as a cook at Woodhills Assisted Living and the Radisson Hotel until her retirement.
A woman of deep faith, Dena had a genuine love for the Bible and spiritual things, and she instilled those values into her children. She was a longtime member of Tabernacle Church of God in Christ.
Known for her generous spirit and witty personality, Dena opened both her heart and home to others. She welcomed and cared for people of all ages, always ready to lend a helping hand. She found joy in cooking for her loved ones and cherished time spent with family. Though she was devoted to serving others, Dena also appreciated being pampered-regularly enjoying visits to the hair and nail salon. Despite facing health challenges, she never missed her cherished Tuesday outings to the market with her close friend Shannon and her beloved dog, "Precious."
Dena was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie "Cooter" Carter; her parents, Willie James Swindle Sr. and Hattie Pearl Bush; her daughter, Teresa Ann Swindle; her brothers, Willie James Swindle Jr., Frankie Lee Swindle, and Archie Swindle; her sisters, Genell Bush, Patricia Daniels, and Betty Fardella; and her grandchildren, Marlon Morgan, Darrius Morgan Berry, Jasmine Dixon, Tevin Jr., and Te'Niyah Williams.
She leaves to cherish her memory: daughters Angela (Roberto) Morales, Gloria Morgan, Toija (Tommey) Williams, Mildred Morgan, and one son, James (Shonnika) Morgan Jr., all of Kalamazoo, Michigan. She also lovingly raised three additional children as her own: Tomarika, Christian, and Genell Bush.
Dena is also survived by her sisters, Annie Gray, Christine Bush, and Janet Murphy, all of Kalamazoo, MI, and Ethel Mae of Columbus, GA; her brothers, Walter Bush of Kalamazoo, MI, and Robert and Thomas Swindle of Columbus, GA; 29 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Special acknowledgments go to her dear friends Ronald Coleman and Shannon Rabbit, whose presence brought her great comfort and joy.