Wilma Carter

Wilma "Dean" Carter, 92, of the Lutheran Home passed from this life to heaven Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at Southeast Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

Dean was born July 8, 1921, in Hannibal, Mo., to Lloyd L. and Elizabeth Herl Hewett. She graduated from Hannibal High School and attended Gem City Business College in Quincy, Ill. She served as personal secretary to Hannibal High School principal until her marriage in 1948. During the 1960s she was employed by the state of Illinois and later by the state of Missouri. She served as Welcome Wagon Hostess in Cape Girardeau, visiting new residents and helping them become acquainted with the area.

A member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau more than 40 years, she was an active member of Ladies Junior Aid. She was also a regular volunteer at the Lutheran Home until her health began to fail.

Dean will be remembered as a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed playing bridge and travel and took several trips out of the country with friends. She was always ready for a road trip with family.

She is survived by a daughter, Candace Knight (Wally) of Collierville, Tenn.; twin sons, Randall Carter of St. Charles, Mo., and Richard Carter (Rosemary) of Dallas; four grandchildren, Nathan Knight (Melody), Megan Knight, Drew Carter (Katy) and Ryan Carter; two great-grandchildren, Nathan Knight Jr. and Madilynn Knight. She received news of two more great-grandchildren coming next year at her recent birthday celebration spent with all her family.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph L. Hewett, and the children's father, James L. Carter.

Graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hannibal.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Radio Ministry Program, Trinity Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Stygar Florissant Chapel in Florissant, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.