Obituaries

James Herbert Carter

Photo of James Herbert Carter
James Herbert Carter of Marion, Arkansas, died Monday, July 23, 2018, at his home. He was 88. Herbert was born February 16, 1930, in Marvell, the youngest of five children born to George Duvall Carter and Sallie Richardson Carter. He spent his early years in the Cypert community near Marvell and graduated from high school in White Hall. He served four years in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, then earned his bachelor's degree at Arkansas State Teachers College, where he met Verna Jean Davis. They married in 1956, graduated from college, and reported for their first teaching jobs in Marion. During summers, they attended classes at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where Herbert earned a master's degree in school administration. For five years, Herbert taught industrial arts and history and drove a daily school bus route until 1961 when he was called into service as high school principal then immediately cast into the role of Superintendent of Schools upon the death of his predecessor. He served in that capacity for 29 years against the backdrop of the Civil Rights era, the Vietnam War, and the advent of global electronic communication. Throughout those years, he found joy and satisfaction in the successes of students, teachers, administrative staff and their families. He also expressed gratitude for the wisdom and dedication of school board members and community leaders. He believed that the prosperity of Marion and Crittenden County was truly a team effort. Herbert served Marion Baptist Church (now Marion First) tirelessly in a variety of roles including Sunday school teacher, deacon, a voice in the choir, and member or chair of various committees. All his favorite leisure activities involved family, whether at the lake, in his shop or at a project site. He was a member of Marion Rotary Club until his retirement. He and Verna Jean enjoyed travel and were members of the Razorback Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club for 22 years. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Verna Jean Davis Carter of the home; daughter, Cathy Carter Gottsponer (and husband Louis) of Madison, Indiana; daughter, Cheryl Carter Ward (and husband Philip) of Fayetteville; five grandchildren: Levi and Josie Gottsponer, and Sophia, Zane and Isaac Ward; and 14 nieces and nephews that he adored. Arrangements are being made through Roller-Citizens Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at Marion First Baptist Church on Thursday, July 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Funeral will be at the church on Friday morning at 10 a.m., followed by a graveside service and flag presentation at Crittenden Memorial Park. Guests are invited to return to the church for a lunch following the services. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be given to fund educational technology at the Herbert Carter Global Community Magnet School – checks payable to Marion School District, with notation for "HCGC Magnet School Technology Fund." Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westmemphis.

Published July 26, 2018

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