Annette Carter

Annette Wheeler Carter, 83, of Hartford, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Born in Troy, Alabama on May 24, 1941, she was the daughter of the late J.D. and Jewel Wheeler. She was a mother of five and a former State Representative for the 7th Assembly District for Bloomfield, Hartford and Windsor, Connecticut. Annette attended Academy High School and flourished as a majorette in the school's band. She later met and married Rudolph Carter and was a devoted Air Force wife. She moved to Connecticut where she settled down to raise her five daughters and started her career as a Case Manager for the Conference of Churches. During this time, she earned her Associate's Degree from the University of Connecticut. During her 18 years as a Case Manager, she helped educate families regarding their rights and responsibilities as tenants. She was involved in every housing issue from discrimination to providing housing vouchers. In 1988, at the urging of her peers she threw her hat into the ring and ran for the vacant seat in Connecticut's 7th District. During her time in the State Legislature sector Annette was known for her commitment to public service, policy advocacy, and her collaborative spirit. She played a key role in several legislative initiatives and was a passionate advocate for various community causes and committees. Her service included time on the Black and Hispanic Caucus, and on the Public Safety and Commerce Committees. She also served as the Assistant Majority Whip and the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee. While serving on these committees she remained focused on her commitments to community organizations which include the Blue Hills Civic Association, the Neighborhood Housing Coalition and the Board of the LARRABEE Corporation. Her work in the General Assembly included the Dial-A-Ride program, the Blue Hills Hospital of Mount Sinai, and aiding in the redevelopment of Keney Park. Annette was very active in the development of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribes' endeavors in the state. Her most notable accomplishment was building the Community Health Services Center, which is located on Albany Avenue in Hartford. Annette's faith kept her, as she was an active longtime member of the Church of the Good Shepard. Annette was known for her no-nonsense attitude, her advocacy for minority groups and mentorship. To know Annette was to love her, and to have her support meant that you had her unwavering loyalty. As a tribute to her involvement and dedication over the years, Hartford's city council renamed Branford Street (her home for the past 50 years) to Annette W. Carter Way in June 2024. Annette was preceded in death by her parents, her life partner Leonard Pittman, daughter Shelia Ann Carter Robinson and siblings, Juan Tyson Griffin, Sonya Wheeler and Anna Wheeler. Annette leaves to cherish, a legacy through her daughters, Junetta Mitchell (Larry), Cynthia Tucker (Brandon), Donna Ward (John) and Fretta Carter-Davis; 16 Grandchildren, Kimberly DeBose (Andre), Anndreya, Christopher, Jessica, Alexis, DaShawn, Eric, and Malaysia Mitchell, Alaric Robinson II (Kimika), Katori Williams, Phillip, Tyshawn, Michelle, Brandon, Chentil, and Anthony Davis; 10 great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Karter, Khloe, Kali, Mulan, and Kayden Davis, Alaina and Axel DeBose, Alaric (III) and Makailah Robinson, and George A.Griffin (Donna); and five siblings, Samuel Wheeler, Louis Wheeler (Robin), Silva-Lee Wheeler, Elouise Wheeler and Tonya Wheeler. Her family will receive friends on Saturday, January 18, 11 a.m.-12 Noon, followed by a Homegoing Service at 12 Noon, at The First Cathedral, 1151 Blue Hills Ave., Bloomfield. Annette will be laid to rest privately alongside her daughter at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT. The family has entrusted the Carmon Windsor Funeral Home with the arrangements. For online condolences, to read the complete obituary, and to view the services live or after Saturday, January 18th at 12 Noon, please visit, www.carmonfuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Annette, please visit our floral store.