I'm sure that you would think that I'd be titling this post "It's Not Fair" because something about Emma's life isn't fair. And normally, you'd be right. But what's not fair is also something that reminded me how blessed I am to have known an incredible woman, one whom I will never forget. Frances Carter was the most angelic, sweet, and kind lady I have ever known. But don't take my word for it; talk to anyone who's ever been around her for 3 minutes. God must have taken her to Heaven with Him because she was about as close to perfect as any human being possibly could be.
I have known the Carter family for a very, VERY long time. I lost touch for a little while during college, but since then, we have reconnected with them (especially their kids, Caroline and Steve). Mrs. Carter survived breast cancer and not only retained her sweet spirit during it all but also showed the world how to live courageously and embrace your blessings. She was recently diagnosed with a different type of cancer, and it began hurting her body in ways that were worse than expected and quicker than expected. Frances Carter passed away on April 12, 2012 at 4:14 pm. She was surrounded by her loved ones when she left this earth, and her loved ones are now surrounded by her as she looks down from Heaven.
Our family has tried to spend time with the Carters to remind them that they are loved and that they are not alone. I know they appreciate it, but no one can replace your mother. Thankfully, Mrs. Carter's faith while she was here on earth has reassured her family that she is celebrating with her Lord, cancer-free and pain-free. Heaven gained a beautiful, sweet voice, and I know she is dancing up there just like she did here. In the book, Heaven Is For Real, Colton says that there are dogs in Heaven. If that really is the case, all the dogs in Heaven gained a new friend as well.
Mrs. Carter's generous spirit will never be forgotten. She has set so many examples for all of us. She has shown us all what it means to be a loving, supportive mother...an example that her children will one day live out in their own lives. She has shown us what it means to be kind to and appreciative of others, without regard to race, social status, age, or education. Most of all, she has taught us all how to LOVE. Pure, unconditional, never-failing love.
Here are some excerpts from her obituary:
Frances Proffitt Carter, 56, died Thursday, April 12, 2012, after a brief illness.
She was born September 16, 1955 in Greenville, SC to Moody Graham Proffitt, Jr. and Vallie Kelley Proffitt. She was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Charles Kelley Proffitt, and a sister, Valerie Proffitt Buice.
Mrs. Carter was a 1974 graduate of Greenville High School and a 1976 graduate of Anderson University. She loved dance and was a dance instructor with her sister, Andrea, and also Barbara Selvy, for many years in Greenville. She was a lifelong resident of Greenville and a member of First Presbyterian Church.
She will be remembered for her kind heart, her generosity, her love of family and her devotion to friends. Everyone who knew Frances loved her and felt the warmth of spirit she portrayed. She loved her family and enjoyed being with them at home, the lake and the beach. Her family always came first and she loved spoiling her dog Bailey. She was a member of Horizon Women's Bible Study and The Knitting Club.
Surviving are her loving and devoted husband, Steve Carter of their home; a son, Steve Carter; a daughter, Caroline Carter Knight and her husband, Matt; a brother, Moody Graham Proffitt III and his wife, Rhoda; a sister, Andrea Proffitt League and her husband, Jimmy; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, 301 Halton Road, Greenville, SC 29607, or the Cancer Society of Greenville County, 113 Mills Avenue, Greenville, SC 29605
