Betty Carter

Betty Jean Gainer Carter, 87 years old, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, was called to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 14, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She entered this world on February 23, 1934, born to Zenia and Joseph "JB" Gainer, in Eupora, MS. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church of Walker congregation.

Betty is survived by her loving daughters, Beverly Starks (Hershel) and Linda "Dinky" Burleigh (Mike, Jr.); 2 grandchildren, Hershel Starks, III and Heather Pearson (Lane); great-grandson, Sean; brother, Gerald "Jerry" Gainer (Sandra); sister, Jody Bennett (Bruce); a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews; and special friends, Cecil and Shirley Dyess.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Curtis "Bobo" Carter; father, JB Gainer; and mother, Zenia Boatman Gainer.

Betty extended the legacy of giving she and her husband created through their years beginning with caring for any family who needed a place to stay, even if it was for years, especially taking care of aging family members. She cared for and supported family and friends who were furthering their education, families starting their lives after military service or relocating to the Baker area, and children who stayed the summers with the family. One family member recently mentioned Aunt Betty taught one of the nephews how to care for himself thereby helping shape the fine man he is today. She seemingly made each person feel as if they were the most important person in the world by offering encouragement to accomplish anything, and it is never too late to start something. She looked forward to her girls’ trips. She enjoyed gifting children and would routinely give a little something to ensure her great-grandson would treat himself to Dairy Queen. She loved gardening, collecting teapots, sharing Facebook crafting ideas, and animals. Back in the day, she dressed up on Saturdays to go shopping whether it was to a fine department store or to garage sales. Her service and love to others extended first to family and relatives and then encompassed people from church and community. The helping hand was there for love and support with a gentle nudge to always do the right thing. There is truly not enough room here to share all Momma, sister, Aunt Betty, Mawmaw, “AmMaw”, Mother-in-law, and friend Betty Jean accomplished or how she invested in the lives of people.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Victory Baptist Church Youth Fund at P.O. Box 768, Walker, LA 70785.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA, on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from 10:00 AM until the Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 PM, officiated by Reverend Roger Dunlap, Reverend Chad Ward, and Reverend Fred Dyess. The graveside service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, in Baker, Louisiana.