In Memory

Willene Small (Carter)


Obituary:

Willene Elizabeth (Small) Carter was born on April 1, 1947, to George Clayton Small, Sr. and Thelma Lucille (Wilson) Small in Ottawa, Kansas. She attended Lincoln Elementary school and graduated from Ottawa Senior High School in May 1965. She was a member of Bethany Chapel Baptist Church in Ottawa, Kansas, where her grandfather, Rev. James Manuel Wilson, was once a pastor. She married the love of her life, Gary Eugene Carter, Sr. (He preceded her in death on June 26, 2005.) They moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Willene was employed at Cessna Aircraft for three years. Her next employment was at Boeing Aircraft, she worked there for 32 years. While on leave from Boeing, she used the opportunity to work at Larksfield Retirement Home during the day and attended Cosmetology School at night. We all knew she was destined for this beautician profession. After retirement, Willene worked as a lunch supervisor for U.S.D. #259 in Wichita, Ks. She was “granny” to all the students at the school. She was presented an award for her excellent service.

Willene was one of the eight charter members of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Her husband, Rev. Gary Carter, Sr., was ordained as one of the Associate Pastor under the leadership of Rev. John L. Edwards. She continued to be an active member in various ministries of the church under the leadership of her Pastor, Rev. Robert (First Lady Sharon) Robinson. These ministries included: Sunday School Superintendent, Finance Committee, Trustee Board, Adult choir, Mission Department, Communion Ministry, V.B.S Coordinator, Kitchen Ministry, and wherever else she was needed.

Willene leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters: Lisha Rochelle (Rodney) Harris, Carla Denise Burney, of Wichita, Kansas; Briteny Nacole Carter of Arlington, Texas; two sons: Gary Eugene Carter, Jr., Eric Troy Carter of Wichita, Kansas.; one sister Shirley Ann Small (Delvin) McGilbray of Wichita, Kansas. Two sister-in-love: Terry Webb, Brenda Spencer, and a brother-in-love Rollo Craig Carter; 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Her husband, Gary Eugene Carter, Sr., her parents, George and Thelma Small, preceded her in death along with her two sisters Georgetta (Small) Bartlett, and Wilma Jeanne (Small) Williams; two brothers Ronald Leroy Small and George Clayton Small, Jr.