Ms. Shirley A. Carter

Ms. Shirley Ann Carter, age 80, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 25, 2023; as her earthly journey ended, and her heavenly journey began. Born in Samson, Alabama on October 20, 1942, Shirley was the daughter of the late O.D. Carter and Allonie Mills Carter Brooks. Shirley lived a full and blessed life and she loved God and teaching others about God; she loved her family and those close to her. She was a wonderful role-model to women and was an exemplary woman of God with strong Christian standards and beliefs. Shirley was a loving, meek, quiet, and humble woman and had a kind way of expressing her feelings. Shirley received her formal education in Leesburg, FL and later, Utica Public Schools. Shirley advanced her education in Nursing at Utica School of Commerce, where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse and a health instructor. Shirley always had the desire and drive to further her education and career, so she advanced her studies at Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY and obtained her A.A.S. in Mental Health. Additionally, she was an avid den mother for the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America in the Oneida County area. At the tender age of 9, Shirley accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at St. Matthew Temple C.O.G.I.C., Utica, NY, under the leadership of Elder Matthew Blackshear. She had a love for the youth and was a Sunshine Band leader and a Sunday School teacher. In 1959, Shirley married Floyd Stubbs, Sr. and together they have five beautiful children to cherish her memory: Floyd Stubbs, Jr., Yvonne Stubbs, Cyril (Aisha) Stubbs, Sr., Cedric (Dechanta) Stubbs, Sr. and Darren (Kimberly) Stubbs, Sr. all from Florida. 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. In 1982, she relocated to Miami, Florida for new endeavors in the medical health field. She was a devoted member of Cooper Temple C.O.G.I.C, under the leadership of Reverend Lenwood Cooper. Later, she relocated to Leesburg, Florida, in her retirement days, she was a devoted member of Baker Street C.O.G.I.C. and Leesburg C.O.G.I.C. As years passed, she decided to move to Palm Coast, Florida to be closer to her family. She was a watch-care member of Dominion Fellowship Church, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Derrick G. Jackson; where she became, “Mother Shirley”. Mother Shirley was a soft spoken, loving, caring, generous and free-spirit with a heart of gold. She had a love for gospel music, one of her favorite songs was, “Yes Jesus Loves Me” and her favorite gospel artist was Reverend Paul Porter. Shirley leaves her loving siblings, brothers, James Patrick Carter, Charlotte, NC, Jerome (Joelene) Carter, Las Vegas NV, James Lee Carter, Sr., Las Vegas, NV, Johnathan Brooks, TX and her sister, Joan Brooks, Rome, NY. Along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, God-children, and her loving Aunts: Polly Tate, Margie Mills, and close friends. Shirley was preceded by her father, Bishop O.D. Carter, her mother, Missionary Allonie Mills Carter Brooks, and her sister, Gennell McKinsey. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 10:00 am-11:00 am at St. Matthew’s Temple, COGIC, 110 Washington St., Utica. Shirley’s Homegoing Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in New Forest Cemetery.

Ms. Shirley A. Carter

October 20, 1942 - March 25, 2023