Emma Jean Stennett Carter's Obituary
Emma Jean Stennett Carter, of Covington, LA, was called to her eternal home on April 2, 2020. Her husband of 51 years, Howell Carter, III, preceded her in death, as did her brothers, Milton Clarke “Spud” Stennett, Jr and William Edward Stennett, as well as her parents, Milton Clarke Stennett, Sr. and Artie Dora Chisolm Stennett, both of Moss, MS.
She is survived by her three children, Howell Carter, IV and his wife, Susan Post Carter, Cynthia Carter Prior and her husband, James Will Prior, and Catherine Carter St. Pierre and her husband, Christopher St. Pierre. She also is survived by eight grandchildren, Andrew Christian Carter and his wife, Lucie Monk Carter, Caroline Carter Gordon and her husband, Andrew Gordon, and Lily Isabelle Carter, James Stennett Prior, Gordon Howell Prior, Carter William St. Pierre, Charles Christopher St. Pierre and Christian Howell St. Pierre, one great-grandchild, Aimee’ Catherine Carter, as well as two great-grandchildren due later this year.
Jean, as she was known by her friends, was born in Moss, MS on December 18, 1933. She lived on a farm, and having lost her own mother at the age of 4, was tasked with cooking and sewing for her family, skills that she took into adulthood. She attended Jones College and Millsaps College, where she majored in homemaking, furthering her life-long goal to provide a loving and warm environment for her own children and family yet to come. Upon completion of her studies, she worked in Jackson, Mississippi where she met her husband, Howell Carter, III. Shortly after she married on May 21, 1960, she and Howell moved to Covington, LA, where they raised their 3 children. Jean was such an extremely kind, loving, and giving mother to her own children as she grew up without one. She always strived to be the best and kindest she could be to them and everyone she knew. She loved sewing beautiful handmade, matching creations for her daughters, as well as providing wonderful home cooked meals every day for her family. Later in life, after her children were grown, she studied and received a real estate license and sold real estate on the Northshore for several years. Jean was a member of Covington Presbyterian Church for many years, where her children grew up going and, later in life, became a member of Christ Episcopal Church. She loved arranging flowers for church and singing in the choir. She sang several solos and also enjoyed singing in the Northshore Performing Arts Society. Jean cherished her friends. She was fond of Bible study, tennis, volunteering, bridge, decorating and travel. She was a doting and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She leaves a legacy of love, kindness and selflessness. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The family would like to thank Ochsner Hospital, the team of transplant surgeons and medical staff as well as the unknown kidney donor’s family who added 16 years to her life. The family also thanks Christwood Retirement Community where Jean lived the past five years, especially the staff, nurses and nursing assistants in the assisted living and memory care units. Love was shown through the care she received there. Lastly and most especially, the family is thankful and grateful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who always carried her through the many joys, trials and tribulations of her life.
A private family burial will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Baton Rouge.
The memorial service will be held at a future date after quarantine restrictions are lifted.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation (PKD Foundation) or The Kidney Project.
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