Elizabeth (Finney) Carter

Elizabeth (née Finney) Carter was born on September 5, 1936, to Boyce Leroy Finney, Sr. and Annie Pearl (née Pitts) Finney in Laurens, Newberry County, SC, by a mid-wife. She quietly entered the arms of Jesus on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Her family moved to Pennsylvania to seek better employment opportunities when she was three months old. Elizabeth Carter received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at 12 years old and was baptized at age 16 (John 3:16).

After graduating from Delhaas High School, Liz, as called by her family and close friends, later married her childhood sweetheart, the late Alec Samuel Carter. To this union was born one beloved daughter, Alecia Madeline. She later furthered her education and graduated from Grace Bible Institute in Voorhees, NJ, to be a profitable servant of God. Liz spent most of her employment in social services and retired in 2004 as a Caseworker for the Bucks County Welfare Office in Pennsylvania. Liz loved to cook and was known for her collard greens, macaroni & cheese, and all knew that she challenged herself to make a meal out of whatever was left in the kitchen.

She served the Lord in her church and community wherever she resided. She was a genuine “member” … she taught Sunday School, worked with the youth, and sang in the choir in the various churches. Indeed, she was a “member.” In 2010, she moved to Virginia with her daughter and son-in-law and joined Temple Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, where she actively served the Lord. When the family moved to Tennessee in 2021, Liz moved with them and became a member at Nolensville Road Baptist Church (Revelation 14:13).

“Mama Carter,” as she was affectionately known to those in Virginia and Tennessee, spent many years serving the Lord in Pennsylvania, and she didn’t stop when she moved. When she moved to Virginia, no grass grew under her feet. Upon joining Temple Baptist Church, Liz immediately got to work and saw opportunities to serve the Lord. She rarely met a stranger and looked for any opportunity to share Christ with others. Liz volunteered at the Stafford County Courthouse, became involved with the Stafford Senior Citizens Counsel, worked on the kitchen committee, and enjoyed meeting new friends at the Thursday Lunch Bunch. She also worked well with her hands, sewing, and later picked up a paintbrush and learned to paint at the local art class. In addition, Liz met with her buddies at the Morning “Seniorcise” Group to stay in shape. Once moving to Tennessee, she participated in the weekly outreach program at Nolensville Baptist Church, calling on and encouraging sick and shut-in members. Liz frequented the Senior Center in Mount Juliet, TN, to maintain fitness and extend her painting skills. Most of all, she loved and enjoyed the new changes and ministry opportunities God gave her to serve.

Nevertheless, it was no secret what (or who) she loved most because she always took the time to tell others about her friend, Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:20). Liz loved her family and enjoyed the family gatherings - especially preparing the food! In addition, she enjoyed teaching, shopping, traveling, theatre, singing, reading, and of course, spoiling her grandchildren!

She leaves to treasure her memories, a precious, loving daughter, Alecia and her beloved husband, Mark Austin; two God-fearing grandchildren, Andre’ (Krystiana) and Samantha; and two beautiful great-grandsons, Aaric and Prince. Additionally, she leaves behind two sisters, Bertha Finney and Thelma Johnson, both of Willingboro, NJ; one brother, Leroy Finney (Janice) of Trenton, NJ; one sister-in-law, Gladys Finney of Burlington, NJ; an aunt, Belle Pitts of New York City; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She considered several as her “Sons in the Faith” - Jerry Womack, Curtis Hills, Byron Hannon, Harold Vaughan, Bryan Moody, Greg Keene, Roger Bowman, DeAndre’ McLemore, Seth Haines, Tom Phillips, and Daniel Adrian to name a few.

Liz gave visible evidence and testimony of her faith and her walk with Jesus Christ until she was physically unable to do so. Even when it became evident that Leukemia would win the earthly battle, she remained steadfast and unmovable in the spiritual battle. Scores have drawn closer to the LORD because of her faithful walk.

To God be the Glory!

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25 at Temple Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Laurel Hill Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Gideons International – www.gideons.org/donate; Christ Life Ministries – www.christlifemin.org/donate; Dare for More – www.dareformore.org/donate; or Teen Challenge – www.teenchallengeusa.org.