Zerita J. Carter

Mrs. Zerita Joy Richardson Carter, affectionately known as “Joy” by family and friends, departed this life on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at 10:10 am, at Sinai Hospital. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 1, 1931, she was the second of four children to bless the union of Wilbert and Ernestine Richardson. The only girl in the family, Joy had three brothers: Wilbert, the eldest, and twins Lloyd Charles and Lewis Paul Richardson. Both parents, as well as all of her brothers, predeceased her. Joy graduated from Frederick Douglass High School, Class of 1951, and later received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morgan State University, in 1955. As a teenager growing up in segregated Maryland, Joy worked summers as a dishwasher in Ocean City. She also worked throughout high school at Hendin’s Hollywood Fashions on Pennsylvania Avenue, and played tennis daily in Druid Hill Park. After graduating from Morgan, Joy worked as a recreation leader for McCulloh Homes, Gilmor Homes, and Poe Homes. She was revered for going the extra mile to stimulate children’s interest and creativity in arts and crafts and other activities. In 1954, Joy married civil rights leader Walter P. Carter, known primarily for activism and organizing efforts to desegregate public accommodations throughout Maryland and to end housing discrimination in Baltimore City. Together, they had two daughters, Judith Linn and Jill Priscilla. Following Walter’s death in 1971, Joy became a certified teacher and worked as an early childhood educator at Samuel Coleridge Taylor Elementary School #122. She was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1993. After nearly thirty years of service with the Baltimore City Public School System, she retired in 2000. Joy was a lifelong, active member of Saint James’ Episcopal Church, where she volunteered with the food pantry, served as a member of the Rector’s Guild, and worked faithfully as part of a group of ladies affectionately referred to at Saint James’ as the “Call Girls”, who compiled the weekly church bulletin, The Call. An avid collector of Black dolls, Joy was a member of the Charm City Dolling Club. Over the years, she amassed an extensive doll collection. She enjoyed socializing with friends at monthly lunch and pinochle club meetings, and was a long-time member of The Spockettes. “Mom believed decency was among the most important of human traits, and prided herself on living a life of supreme decency”, according to her daughter Jill. “She instilled that in us. She was fiercely loyal and devoted to her family and friends, an unassuming woman with tremendous wisdom. She was selfless in giving of her time, energy, and attention to others and asking nothing in return.” “She taught us that we are not meant to take more than we receive, and without true love, we just exist. She was a wonderfully down- to-earth woman”, said her son-in-law, the Honorable Sylvester B. Cox, Jr., Judge for the Circuit Court of Baltimore City. Joy refrained from being personally active in politics, but she was politically astute and participated in the 5 and 5 Democratic Club in the 1970s and ’80s, and also served as a member of the Community Health Council of Maryland. Joy was a consistent and enthusiastic supporter of numerous political campaigns, including those of her closest friends, former City Council women, Iris Reeves and Vera P. Hall, and her daughter Jill’s campaigns for the Maryland House of Delegates. Joy enjoyed reading the newspaper every day and listening to talk radio. She made bargain shopping an art, and could be found many days toiling about local thrift shops and discount stores. She referred to herself as a “collector”, and could never be found without a well-stocked collection of gifts in her home to present for every occasion. A long-time resident of the Ashburton neighborhood, Joy was an ardent supporter of neighborhood initiatives to improve her community. She willingly volunteered when called upon to serve. Joy enjoyed an eventful life with many dear chums; among them were her lifelong friends, Mrs. Phyllis Savage of Washington, D.C., Mrs. Cardrienne Griffin of Baltimore, Mrs. Mary Paige of Pittsburg, and a host of others. Joy’s daughters and granddaughters were the loves of her life. Joy Carter is survived by: her two daughters, Judith Linn (Carter) Cox, and the Honorable Jill P. Carter; son-in-law, the Honorable Sylvester B. Cox, Jr.; two granddaughters, Lindsey Carter Cox and Erin Taylor Cox; a sister-in-law, Louella Richardson; a nephew, Gregg Richardson; a cousin, Mrs. Shirley Reed; goddaughter Jewel Griffin Lindzey; and a host of family and friends.

Tributes

Zerita J. Carter

October 1, 1931 - June 14, 2016