Annie Ruth Carter

Obituary

Annie Mack-Carter, the eldest of three daughters, was born on November 25, 1936, to Gracie
Crowder-Sampson of Wilmington, North Carolina. As a teenager, Annie was baptized and
accepted Christ as her personal Savior—a decision that shaped her life’s purpose and
character.
She was lovingly guided by her Godmother, Nada McDonald-Cotton, a strong and visionary
educator who encouraged Annie to pursue academic excellence. Annie graduated from
Williston Industrial High School as valedictorian, earning a four-year academic scholarship to
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, North Carolina.
After completing her first year of college, Annie made the heartfelt decision to exchange her
scholarship for a new chapter in life—marrying her childhood love and first husband, Robert L.
Mack, in August 1954. In 1955, she moved to California where Robert, a Navy serviceman, was
stationed. Together they built a beautiful family and welcomed four children: Sharon, Andrew,
Adrienne, and Sonja.
Annie faced one of life’s greatest heartbreaks when her son, Andrew, was called home to be
with the Lord on the very day he was born. With a mother’s love and a believer’s faith, she
trusted that her baby boy was received into eternity—whole, perfect, and safe in the presence of
Christ. Though the pain of such a loss is beyond words, Annie carried her grief with remarkable
grace. She quietly tucked the deepest parts of that sorrow into God’s hands and continued
forward with the strength that only faith can provide.
Her confidence in God allowed her to rest in the blessed assurance that Andrew, though only
here for a moment, lives forever in glory—“absent from the body and present with the
Lord”—already welcomed into eternity and resting in perfect peace.
Annie later continued her education and earned a Master of Business Administration from
National University in San Diego in 1981. She flourished professionally during her 30-year
federal career, serving both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy in their
Public Works Centers as a Contract Analyst. Her exemplary performance earned her numerous
awards, commendations, and certificates of recognition.
Several years later, Annie married Edward Carter. Their marriage, though brief due to Edward’s
illness, was filled with companionship, love, and shared faith. Annie remained in San Diego until
October 2005, when she purchased a home and relocated to Jefferson, Texas, where she
continued a life of service.
Annie’s Christian faith was the foundation of her identity. While a member of Christ United
Presbyterian Church in San Diego, she served faithfully as the leader of the Presbyterian
Women’s Auxiliary, organized food programs serving the homeless, taught Sunday School, and
led Bible Study. As a Deacon, she visited the sick and shut-in, assisted with communion, and

ensured meals were delivered, especially during holidays when love and encouragement were
needed most.
After relocating to Texas, Annie became a dedicated disciple at Jefferson Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. She prepared the weekly bulletins, attended Bible Study, and took pride in
ensuring the sanctuary was perfect for worship—candles prepared, materials ready, everything
in order. Before her hip surgery, she walked to church each week, responding to concerns about
the distance with a smile and the words: “This is how I get my exercise.” Her commitment
inspired many others to do the same.
Annie was passionate about her community. While living on Solola Avenue in San Diego, she
served as a Girl Scout troop leader and organized Easter egg hunts and parades to keep
families connected. She even partnered with the local fire department to bring a fire truck to the
neighborhood so children could learn about fire safety and firefighter responsibilities.
Her advocacy also shaped her neighborhood infrastructure. The next time you drive through the
traffic lights at Euclid and Logan Avenue, remember that Annie’s persistence—through letters,
town hall meetings, and engagement with City Council members and the Mayor—helped secure
those traffic lights for the safety of her community.
As PTA President at Knox Elementary School, Annie made history by achieving 100% parent
participation, with every parent joining the PTA. Because of this extraordinary leadership, the
school was recognized and invited to Sacramento, California.
Although admired for her leadership and advocacy, Annie also cherished life’s simple joys. She
enjoyed bowling, watching movies, and playing games that sharpened the mind—Bid Whist,
Po-Ke-No, Scrabble, Monopoly, and Yahtzee. She used games to teach strategy, counting,
spelling, and thinking skills. Most recently, her grandchildren taught her how to play Uno, and
she delighted in learning and playing with them.
Annie’s legacy, discipline, drive, and devotion to excellence were passed down to her
daughters—Sharon, Adrienne, and Sonja. Each of them inherited her resilience, her love for
family, her commitment to community, and her belief that service is a calling. Through them,
Annie’s spirit lives on: in their leadership, their compassion, their faith, and their determination to
uplift others, just as she did.
Annie treasured her two “sisters of love,” Cathy Ramsey and Vivian Patterson. Whenever the
three gathered, the atmosphere filled with laughter, joy, and sisterhood—so much so that
strangers often paid for their meals and drinks. Yet when business needed to be handled, these
three women handled it with unity, grace, and excellence.

Annie’s final six months were marked by a courageous battle with physical illness, but her true
fight, the fight of faith—had been waged her entire life. Like the Apostle Paul, Annie “fought the
good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith.” Her strength did not come from her body but
from her unwavering trust in God.
Though her physical body grew tired, her spirit never wavered. She remained anchored in
prayer, in Scripture, and in the blessed hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Annie’s earthly
struggle may have lasted six months, but her spiritual endurance—her walk with God, her
perseverance through trials, her commitment to love and service—was a lifetime testimony.
On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the Lord gently called Annie from labor to reward. Her
physical fight ended, but her eternal victory began. With the peace of a believer and the
confidence of a disciple who knew in whom she believed, Annie stepped into the presence of
her Savior—whole, healed, and restored.
Preceded in Death Nada McDonald-Cotton (Godmother) Robert L. Mack (first husband and
childhood love) Edward Carter (Husband) Sharon Mack-Sherrill (Daughter) Andrew Mack
(Son) Jason Edwards (Grandson) Iva Grace Temoney (Niece) Dorothy Morris (Sister) George
Morris (Brother-in-Law)
She Leaves to Cherish Her Memory Baby sister: Elizabeth Wade of Wilmington, North Carolina
Two daughters: Adrienne Mack-Morris, Sonja Mack-Brown (Alphonso) both of San Diego,
California
Seven grandchildren: James Edwards, Johnny L. Edwards III, Shawnta’ Scott (Keshawn),
Ti’Shaunda Walton, Martell Johnson, Maurice Moore all of San Diego, California, Chauncey
“Marquis” Moore Sr. of Las Vegas, Nevada
Nieces: Marian “Lorraine” Crawford, Joyce Pryor, Kimberly Roy (Shawn) all of Cleburne, Texas,
Pamela McGrew (William) of Suffolk, Virginia
Nephews: Curtis Crowder (Rhonda) of Grand Prairie, Texas, Stuart Crowder (Jacqueline) of
Biloxi, Mississippi
A host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great-nieces, great-nephews,
great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews, Sisters of love: Cathy Ramsey and Vivian
Patterson, Dear friend: Murrie Barnett and all those that knew her.

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