Ms. Carolyn LaVerne Carter

Ms. Carolyn LaVerne Carter, a resident of Peoria, IL, was called home on Monday, September 15, 2025. Carolyn was born on February 27, 1935, in Mount Holly, AR, to Isaac and Mary Ella (Tidwell) McKinney. Carolyn was baptized in faith and carried that strength throughout her life. She was a long-time member and Mother of Peoria Friendship M.B. Church. Carolyn graduated from Henry Clay Yerger High School in Hope, AR. She moved to California, where she married, had children, and lived for over 50 years. She attended San Francisco City College in San Francisco, CA. She worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs and, after many years of service, retired from there. Carolyn was an excellent chef (not a cook, but a self-trained chef). If you were fortunate to have tasted one of her dishes, you never forgot it. She watched cooking shows and liked trying different recipes. She would often substitute ingredients with “whatever she had in the refrigerator”. She was a passionate reader who also loved to crochet and knit, creating many family heirlooms. She was a devoted sports fan. She was often heard screaming after every touchdown, interception, strikeout, or homerun. Her favorite teams were the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. Carolyn was also an excellent seamstress, making many clothes for her children and grandchildren, from kindergarten outfits to prom dresses. She never passed up the chance to play a good game of bid whist. She enjoyed travelling and taking road trips, finding joy in new places and the journeys along the way, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Carolyn leaves to cherish her most precious memories, four daughters, Cyd Ella “Marcena” (Terry, Sr.) Edmonds of Peoria, IL, Sheree (McArthur “John”) Hunter of Monroe, LA, Althea “Janice” (Gail Randall) Carter of San Leandro, CA and Rose Johnson of Peoria, IL; one brother, Ernest (Alvis) McKinney of Hope, AR; twelve grandchildren, Danielle Houston of San Leandro, CA, Lonnie “Jon” Houston, Jr. (Sophia) of Tolleson, LaQuayla Miller of Snellville, GA, Monisha Edmonds of Peoria, IL, Marques Houston of Phoenix, AZ, Terry Edmonds, Jr. of Bloomington, IL, Allanna (Quinton Flowers) Johnson of Chicago, IL, LaKeisha Johnson and Tonaio (Latrice) Johnson of Peoria, IL, Andrea (Dominique) Toombs of Gilbert, AZ, Daniel Carter, Jr. and Lena Reed both of Oakland, CA; 36 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who adored her. She is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Daniel Carter, Sr; one daughter, Margo Reed; a son-in-law, Tonaio “Tony” Johnson; two great-granddaughters, Harmony Clark and Ariyanna Miller; 4 brothers, Carl Burton, Jr, Leon Burton, Roland McKinney and James McKinney; 3 sisters, Mervilee Carey, Maxine Brown and Ellen Margie Richardson. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Peoria Friendship M.B. Church with a visitation prior at 10 am. Rev. Dr. Claude Russell, Jr., Pastor will officiate. Carolyn will be laid to rest at Azar Cemetery in Rosston, AR on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Carolyn will be remembered for her warm spirit, her creativity, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. Her life was a blessing, and her memory will be treasured by her family and friends. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Ms. Carolyn LaVerne Carter

February 27, 1935 - September 15, 2025