Joan Purcifull Carter passed away on May 2, 2020. She was born on April 4, 1924, to Otis E. and Lula M. Lamberson Purcifull and grew up on the family farm outside of Kirklin, Indiana. She graduated from Kirklin High School in 1941, where she was active in Glee Club, Sunshine Society, orchestra, and yearbook staff. She excelled in 4-H, winning state fair awards in baking, clothing, and dress revue, while also showing draft horse colts. Additionally, she was a leader in 4-H, being president of her 4-H Club and attending the International 4-H Club Congress in Chicago as an overall achievement honor.
She married Richard “Dick” Charles Carter in 1941, and they lived on their farm off Manson-Colfax blacktop for over sixty years. Joan was very active in Manson Congregational Christian Church, where her smiling face at the organ and piano was a welcome part of church services for many years.
Joan co-founded the Knit Wit shop in Frankfort. She enjoyed running the shop and helping people learn to knit. Dress recitals, with family and friends modeling the latest knitted fashions, were part of the fun.
After selling the Knit Wit shop, Dick and Joan enjoyed travelling the world, spending time with family and friends, and being social members at the Frankfort Elks and Frankfort Country Club. Additionally, Joan was active in the Aftermath and Home Ec. Clubs.
First and foremost, Joan was a dedicated and doting wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always letting her family know they were loved and special. Family gatherings and dinners at Mom Mom’s home were always a special event; those memories will be forever treasured.
She is survived by her grandchildren: Richard Trevor Carter and his wife Marianne of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Colleen Carter Ster and her husband Brian of San Diego, California. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Caroline Rose Ster, Morgan Mackenzie Carter, Ryan Clinton Carter, Alexandra Joanne Ster, and Isabelle Angelite Ster.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Charles Carter, as well as her son, Jerry Clinton Carter and his wife, Rosalie Mennen Carter.
Private family services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 1 pm at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort with live streaming of the service beginning at 2 pm. Pastor Bruce White and Pastor Jim Eldridge will officiate. Burial will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery in Frankfort. Memorials in Joan’s name may be made to the Manson Congregational Church or Missions Outreach/Community Service 365 at http://cs365.5000hands.org/j/home/cs-365-donation/ . Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.