Joan Virginia Carter

Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOq3V6kJOyQ
With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Mrs. Joan P. Carter, a woman of unwavering faith, boundless dedication, and immeasurable kindness. She was born in Pelham, Georgia on October 4, 1941, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Thelma Porter. At the age of four, her mother passed, and she was raised by her paternal grandparents, the late Mr. Mozell and Ella Porter. From an early age, Joan embraced her faith at Summerhill Baptist Church,
where she was baptized-a moment that laid the foundation for a life guided by grace and service. As an adult she joined the Northside Church of Christ, Jacksonville, Florida where she was a dedicated member and served as needed.
Joan was destined to be an educator. Her passion for teaching and shaping young minds led her through the halls of Mitchell County Training School, Talladega College, Edward Waters College, and Florida A&M University, where she earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education. Joan began her teaching career in Williston, Fl. Later moving to Nassau County where she spent over 30 years nurturing and inspiring generations of students in Nassau County Public Schools, whereby she instilled in them not just knowledge but the confidence to dream and achieve. Even after retiring in 2000, her devotion to education never wavered, as she mentored new teachers, ensuring that her legacy of excellence continued.
Shortly after moving to Nassau County, Joan married the late Fred Haywood, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter, Niki J. Haywood. Joan found love again and married Melvin Carter on December 27, 1979, embarking on a new chapter in her life.
Joan is now reunited in eternal peace with her parents Edward Porter (Thelma Hill Porter), stepmother Hattie Porter, grandparents Mozell Porter (Ella) and her devoted husband Melvin Carter, and stepdaughter Monica Carter.
She departed this life on Monday, May 26, 2025. Joan's presence was a gift-her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering love will remain forever in the hearts of those she touched.
Joan leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: her devoted daughter Niki Queen (Torrance) of Jacksonville, Florida; stepdaughters Sharon Glenn (Warren), Tampa, Florida, Annette Wynn (Earl) Atlanta, Georgia, Anngelette Thomas, Jacksonville, Florida; her brother James Porter (Priscilla) Silver Spring, Maryland; her grandchildren Thomas F. Haywood, Myla Queen, Torrance Queen, Jr., and Danielle Dous'e all of Jacksonville, Florida, and Abyah Wynn of Atlanta, Georgia; her aunt Lillie Wright of Daytona Beach, Florida; her niece Karen Porter of Olney, Maryland and nephew Edward Porter (Stephanie) of Columbia, Maryland; devoted cousin Bettye O'Neal, and a host of cousins and extended family.