Ms. Van Edith Carter

Van Edith Carter, age 80, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on January 10, 2025. Born on September 18, 1944, in Gainesville, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Elder James C. Carter and Lottie L. Carter.
Ms. Carter was a proud 1962 graduate of Lincoln High School in Gainesville. She went on to earn her Bachelor's degree from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, and completed several courses toward her Master's degree at the University of Florida. As a dedicated educator, Ms. Carter worked within the Georgia and Florida Public School Systems, including Alachua County, positively impacting the lives of many students throughout her career. She was a current member of Old Town Church of God in Christ in Alachua, Florida.
She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories with her children: Aaliyah Smith-Carter, Andriel Smith-Carter, and Curtis Smith-Carter; her sisters: Mary Hicks (Maxie Hicks) and Faylene Welcome (Supt. Ted Welcome); a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and loving family members and friends.
Ms. Carter was preceded in death by her parents, James C. Carter and Lottie L. Carter; her sister, Louise Archer; her brother, Timothy Carter; and her goddaughter, Sheila Parker.
A celebration of Ms. Carter's life will be held at Upper Room-Greater Gainesville, located at 3575 NE 15th St, Gainesville, FL 32609 on Saturday, January 25th at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Grass Lawn Cemetery, 2837 NW 13th St, Gainesville, Alachua, Florida, 32609.
For additional information, please contact Chestnut Funeral Home.
Ms. Carter will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of love, education, and dedication to her family will never be forgotten.