Hon. Judge Phyllis H. Carter

1948 - 2014

Hon. Judge Phyllis H. Carter

Norfolk - Phyllis Harden Carter, a lifetime advocate for justice, a lover of history, and reading, was born on October 28, 1948 in Norfolk, Virginia. She was the older daughter of the late Wilbur and Mable Hooker Harden.

She was educated at Saint Mary's Academy and Norfolk Catholic High School, in Norfolk, Virginia; and Saint Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina; Sorbonne and at L'Alliance Francaise in Paris, France. She obtained her Juris Doctor Degree from the College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law, Williamsburg, Virginia, class of 1975.

Phyllis served as the managing attorney with the Tidewater Legal Aid Society for Senior Citizens in Norfolk, Virginia. During this time she met her husband to be, Dr. Hazo W. Carter, Jr., and enjoyed thirty-two wonderful years together. The couple moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. Attorney Phyllis Carter continued her legal career, working as an Assistant City Attorney. While residing in Little Rock, their precious angel, Angela, was born. She was that special blessing that truly enriched their lives.

In 1987, the family moved to Institute, West Virginia where Attorney Phyllis Carter continued her advocacy for justice serving as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of West Virginia. Later, she became Judge Phyllis Harden Carter. She headed numerous positions in state government. She was a member of the National Association of Administrative Law Judges. Judge Phyllis Carter was the recipient of numerous awards, one of which is the Distinguished West Virginian, 1991;

Judge Carter's community and civic involvement was extensive. Firmly committed to the mission of the YWCA, she served as a member and president of the Board of Directors West Virginia; and an active member of The Charleston-Institute Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, where she served as an Archivist and Ethics and Standards Chairperson. She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta and her service included local, state and national leadership positions within the sorority.

Cherished memories of her will be held in the hearts of her husband, Dr. Hazo W. Carter, Jr., President Emeritus of West Virginia State University; daughter, Angela Mable Elizabeth Carter; sister, Sheila (William) Franklin; niece, Chelsea (Dana Thomas) Franklin; great-nephew, Mayson Thomas; and families close to the Carters (The Sherrod, Jackson, Batch, and Carper Families); as well as numerous relatives, friends, and sorors.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the chapel of Hale Funeral Home, Inc. with interment at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be an hour prior to the service. www.halefuneralhome.com