Catherine "Kay" Carter

Catherine "Kay" Carter born Catherine Evelyn Walker along with twin sister Evelyn Catherine Walker, March 19, 1933. The twins were BFFs. After a glorious day of visitors, friends and family, Pastor Whiten ministered to the family and prayed over Kay, Evelyn, and Sister Paula Near. Kay transitioned November 13, 2023. She was 90 years old.

The family gives warm thanks and appreciation to the Health Care Team at Trinity Health (MI).

Dedicated to her Sunday School Class and a 30-year Choir member of New Hope Baptist Church as well as a 5 year member of Newman AME, Kay is survived by Daughter Vana Thiero and Son Eric Vincent Carter, Sisters Evelyn Jones, Pauline Hoffman and Renetta Williams, Sister-in-Law Sarah Walker, Lanette Carter, Geraldine Hoffman Rogers, Brothers-in-Law William Hoffman, Lawrence Carter and Carlos Williams, Grandchildren Celene, Sage, Carter and Bakary; and Nieces Kathy, Lisa, Yolanda, Karis and Stephanie, Kimberly, Fabiana, Ariana, Bessie, Nakia, Carlana, Carliss, Ciandra, Ckaris, Caryn, Cristina; and Nephews Gerald, Nate, Thomas Jr., Kevin, Robert Sr., Michael Sr., Will Jones Jr., Eric, Larry Darnell, Robert Jr., Michael Jr.; and Bonus Lewis' Sherrie, Kenya, Tina and theirs; and Fabi's, Nakia's, Bessie's children as well as God kids Oumar, Janice, Lanelle, Melissa ...

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana to house wife & home hair dresser Bessie, and Chief Mechanic at Higgans Boat Industries Harry Walker; also the owners of a local Pub ... Kay (then Cat), was 1 in 7 Walker children: Harry Jr., Johnny Lav, Thomas "Tony", Catherine "Cat", Evelyn "Eve", Pauline & Matilda. Cat & Eve assumed parental duties when Bessie transitioned in 1949. Excellent students, the Walker kids were ambitious. Pauline and Matilda chose Southern University. Some Walkers chose Army. Other Walkers chose Air force.

Air force Nurses during the 50’s, "Cat & Eve" enjoyed military life. Next, Evelyn married Sgt. William V. Jones "Bill" – stationed in Japan, started a new family, as "Kay" started a family in Detroit – with Educator, Fred Carter. The Carters bought homes in Pontiac (MI). Kay's 3 sisters and their respective husbands also purchased homes: Evelyn and Bill Jones, Paula and William Hoffman, Matilda and Edward Alston. Kay and her sisters and their families became part of the fiber of Pontiac's growing Black Professional Community.

Kay worked in private practice, on the nursing staff of four black physicians: Dr. Henry Jenkins, Dr. John Harold, Dr. Turpin as well as Dr. Washington, at the Lakeside Projects Medical Clinic. Great friendships and family bonds were shared. Kay and fellow nurse Delores Simpson became running mates and have united again!

Kay is also met Heavenside by her Life Partner, Herbert Lewis; as well as Matilda, Harry Jr., Lav, Tony Sr., Fred, Ed, Floyd Golden, Kirby, Bobo, Aunty, Uncle Sam, her Daddy & Mama and their Daddys & Mamas and all the Ancestors.

A loving and caring wife, mother, and friend ... especially to the friends of her children, Pontiac teens and growing adults, who could always talk to Mrs. Carter. Kay was always the inspirational encourage-er! Kay listened, and then delivered divine advice... whether you were ready to hear it or not. She told it like it is.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with family hour starting at 10:30 a.m. at Newman A.M.E Church, 233 Bagley Street, Pontiac, Michigan.