Thelma J. "Foxxy" Carter

UTICA - Thelma J. “Foxxy” Carter, age 73, joined those who went before her when she passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center surrounded by her devoted family. Born in Utica on March 21, 1945, Thelma was the daughter of the late Charles and Flossie (Adams) Carter. Raised and educated locally, she attended Utica schools. Thelma shared her love and life with the late Charlie Brown and together they raised 5 girls. AMEN! Thelma was employed by New York State at the Utica Psychiatric Center. She was the dispenser of spirits at Kelly’s Corners, Eckmier’s Bar, Slim’s, Tophat, and The LaCaberet. She was a bartender’s bartender. She had a good ear and poured ’em “straight, no chaser”. She was respected and nothing got to her. If a patron shared private conversation with her, it went no further. She held it in trust and never spoke a word of it. Foxxy was full of life but even-keeled with her emotions. She made sure that things were right at home, and she was a fair woman. She was blessed with a big heart and “big pretty legs”. She was a natural-born cook and made meals without measuring —- and they were delicious, especially her collard greens, and corn bread. She was a sweet soul graced with great children and a loving relationship with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandchild. When she saw them she was relaxed, and wanted to spend time with them. She was a loving “mom” to all of them! She never gave birth to a son, but she spoiled her godson Sammy Evans rotten. He loved his god sisters and they call each other sis and bro. Foxxy was an advid reader and always had a book in her face no matter where she went, fantastic bowler frequenting the Sunset and Pin-O-Rama lanes in leagues and with her family. She loved Bingo at all the good places, and she could play multiple cards simultaneously, and had the amazing ability to just read them, which is an art! She loved real wrestling, and going to Pellettieri Joe’s for spaghetti. She had an eye for a good-looking guy, and she loved Tom Jones. Foxxy could be found every day wearing her pink house coat with many cigarette burns in it while singing “Iko, Iko”, and there will never be a better memory of this brassy, beautiful woman. She loved Soul Day at Proctor Park, calling it a cook out, emptying the freezer, and she was a hoot! Her great grandchildren loved her and got the biggest kick when she was roastin’ them. Foxxy lived a fun-filled, down-to-earth, light-hearted life, but knew that the Lord was in charge, and she would serve him at “last call”. Thelma is survived by her daughters, Robin Carter and Mike, Sharon Carter, Yolanda Carter, Veronica Carter, and Eileen Carter; also her 30 grandchildren. She held close to her heart the memory of her grandson, Donell L. Davis who preceded her on December 16, 2014. His passing was the only time she was seen crying because she always guarded her heart. She also leaves 47 great-grandchildren; Jayden A. Jones who preceded her on December 21st, 2012 and 1 great-great-grandchild; her sister Annette McClary; brothers, Barney Carter, Rodney Carter, and Steve Carter; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Foxxy was truly a good friend and she was graced with many wonderful and long-lasting friendships. Kathleen Tyrrell who was her best friend went before her, but always remained in her heart. She was blessed with the companionship and love of Joanne Stone, Ellie Stoddard, Pearline Young and Cindy Service. She will remain in the hearts of Donna Brooks and Denise Fennimore, whom she was like a mother to. She was predeceased by her brothers, James Carter, Willie Carter, Charles “MC” Carter Jr., and Raymond Carter; twin sisters, Rose Carter and Ruby Carter; and her nieces Deborah Berry-Pugh and Antoinette M Carter, nephew; William Berry, Jr. The family extends their appreciation to the staff of the CTICU, ICU, and Neuro/Peds units at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their comforting care and attention. They were blessed with nurse Sam/RN who had a consoling heart, Nicole, Besire, and Raabia who were so kind and outgoing; and Dr. Joseph Booth, Dr. Anwar Wassel, and NP/Sue Jackson for their compassion and medical expertise. Visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the Peter Spencer U.A.M.E. Church, 841 Bleecker Street, Utica. Thelma’s Home Going celebration will commence on Monday at 12:00 noon at the church with Reverend Arthur Gary Sr. officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow graveside in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Thelma J. "Foxxy" Carter

March 21, 1945 - July 8, 2018