Lois Marie Carter

Lois Carter ObituaryVisit the Emerald Coast Funeral Home & Reception Center website to view the full obituary."Lois Marie Patterson Carter"Lois Marie Patterson Carter, age 98, went home to Glory at her home on February 4, 2026.Ms. Lois, as she was affectionately known, was born to the late William and Ruth Patterson on February 28, 1927, in Gainesville, Georgia. She was a simple, quiet, country woman with a faithful spirit and a kind, caring heart. She worked hard and taught her children to work twice as hard. She lived a long, hard but happy life and was ready to go "home."Upon graduation from high school Ms. Lois began pursuing her nursing certificate. But then, in 1945, she married M.C. Carter, a USAF Airman and began traveling the country and the world creating a well loved family of 10. Upon their retirement from the USAF she chose to return to Fort Walton Beach to continue to raise their 8 children. She had a deep love for her 8 children and even more for her 16 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. She was happiest when spending time with them. They were her heart and joy.Ms. Lois retired from the Okaloosa County School District in 1989 where she spent 25 years nurturing Elementary and Junior High School children as Food Service Manager. She cared about people and doing the right thing. She believed that the only difference between people was their mindset. "Treat people how you want to be treated and stay in prayer."She was preceded in death by her husband, M.C. Carter Sr., her sister Hazel Patterson, her sons Michael, Randy, Stanley, and Bruce, and her daughter Deborah, grandson Dwayne Hawkins and great grandson Juwan Jones.She leaves to cherish her memories, daughter Sandra Richmond (Curtis), of Moreno Valley, CA. Son M.C. Carter Jr., and daughter Lisa Carter Payton, of Fort Walton Beach, FL, sisters Barbara Dillard (Lloyd), of Dothan, AL, and Jackie Hall (Maurice), of Columbia, MD, Nephew Gerald Patterson (Jeanetta) of Indianapolis, IN, and a host of friends and family.As she wished, Ms. Lois will be cremated, and at her request, no formal reception will be held. However, a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, March 21, 2026 at the Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road N.W., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547-1816In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude’s, her most cherished charity.Read The Full ObituaryTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.