Purcell Ellwood Carter Sr.

PURCELL ELLWOOD CARTER, SR., son of the late Emory Edward and Nadine Curry Carter was born eighty-two years ago in Baltimore, Maryland. When he was seven, Purcell’s family relocated to Northumberland County, Virginia, where he entered Anna T. Jean Elementary School. In 1947, after receiving his high school diploma from the Julius Rosenwald High School, Purcell jointed the Army. On August 17, 1949, while still enlisted, he married Muriel Nickens, his friend and love of his life. Their marriage of almost sixty-two years was blessed with five children. For thirty-six years, Purcell worked for the United States Post Office initially as a driver, than as a dispatcher supervisor, and finally retiring in October of 1986 as an Accident Investigator. Ever the provider, he also worked as a driver for the Diamond Cab Company and The Smelkinson Company. As a youngster, Purcell accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Wicomico, Virginia. In 1986, he joined Whitestone Baptist Church in Baltimore. For the past twenty-five years, it was his pleasure to serve his Savior and his church family in several capacities including singing on the Men’s Choir, driving the church Van and making small repairs around the church. Approximately twenty years ago he began service as a Trustee. Purcell loved the Lord and long with Muriel made certain this love was instilled in their children. Purcell was very resourceful in trying his hand at plumbing, auto repairs, carpentry and anything else that he put his mind to. When he had free time, he enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, gardening, reading newspapers and comics and watching westerns. His greatest pleasure however came in helping others. He was a loving, caring, unselfish father, husband and friend rarely saying no to anyone. Purcell had a lifelong of learning and encouraged all of his children and grandchildren to strive to do their best. Purcell was not one to complain about his own suffering and pain. Some of his favorite comments were “You do what you have to do” and “This too shall pass.” On June 2, 2011, with hid family by his side, Purcell peacefully entered into eternal life. Celebrating the life of this extraordinarily strong, dependable, trustworthy, hardworking, generous man are: his loving wife, Muriel Gertrude Nickens Carter; five grateful children, Jacqueline Carter Fulton (Tony- deceased), Cassandra Carter Smith (Robert), Gwendolyn Carter McKoy Jordon (James), Purcell Ellwood Carter, Jr. (Doreen) and Eveena Carter Felder (Wayne); fifteen appreciative grandchildren, Shelley Fulton Powell, Christina Fulton, Robert Smith III, Edward Smith I, Arlene Smith, Rachel McKoy Jordon, Rebekah McKoy, Jonathan McKoy, Abigail McKoy, Purcell Carter, Tiffany Cunningham, Aharon Goins, Daniel Carter and Bobby Felder; eleven blessed great-grandchildren, Noah Powell, Naeem Powell, Arielle Smith, Edward Smith III, Madison Carter, Kennedy Carter, Ahmir Going, Ahirya Going, Ari Yates, Bobby Felder, Jr. and Jordan Felder; stepmother, Joyce Carter; four stepbrothers, Harold Carter (deceased), Reginald Carter, Emory Carter and Howard Carter; one stepsister, Deneen Coleman; brothers and sister-in-law, Anne Nickens (Leroy-deceased), Bessie Nickens (Savington- deceased); and a host of family and friends.

Tributes

Purcell Ellwood Carter Sr.

December 11, 1928 - June 2, 2011