Funeral services for Margaret Ruth Long Carter, age 90, of Fayetteville will be conducted at 2pm on Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tommy Vann officiating. Burial will follow in Carter Hills Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Friday, September 18, 2020 from 5pm until 7pm at Higgins Funeral Home.
Mrs. Carter passed away on September 16, 2020 at NHC Maury Regional in Columbia, Tenn. She was born in Jackson, Tenn., to the late Oddest Herman and Julia Mae Goff Long on February 24, 1930.
A member of the Fayetteville City School Board from 1986 to 2002, she was a diligent advocate of better education for the students of Fayetteville City Schools. Mrs. Carter was a 50-plus-year member of the Alpha Kappa Club and a former member of the Lincoln Medical Center Auxiliary. She also enjoyed needlepoint, petit point and cross stitch and was a member of the Embroiders Guild of America. An avid bridge player, she continued to play in her club until the onset of COVID-19 guidelines early this year.
Mrs. Carter was a faithful member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist, where over the years she was active and served on many committees. She graduated from the University of Tennessee and in 1952 moved to Fayetteville when she married Lewis Franklin Carter. They would be married 31 years. Lewis passed away in 1983. After moving to Fayetteville, Mrs. Carter served as an assistant Home Demonstration agent for several years, leaving her job to become a mother and full-time homemaker. She was dedicated to her children and enjoyed taking care of her family and friends. She would later open her own gift shop, Potpourri, and work at P. Fitz Gifts for several years.
Margaret is survived by her daughters, Julia (Butch) West of Columbia and Bonnie Carter Hereford of Fayetteville, grandsons, Carter Alexander West and William Campbell West of Nashville, and sister, Sarah Long Hale of Athens, Ala. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Anna Carter Reilly, who passed away in 1995, and her son-in-law, James S. Hereford, Jr., who passed in 2012.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fayetteville United Methodist Church Building Fund, 200 Elk Avenue, North, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Margaret Ruth Long Carter.
Bonnie & Julia,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have very fond memories of your childhood and your wonderful mother when I lived down the street from you. Sympathy & love to you both and your families, Susie Shewry Kutchi
Bonnie and Julia,
I am so saddened by the news of Miss Margaret’s passing. She was a wonderful lady who always had a smile and a kind word. Thinking of you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Much love, Kate Killebrew
Bonnie and family,
I am so saddened to hear of Mrs. Margaret’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. Prayers and hugs.
Bonnie, I’m so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. You have been so blessed to have her with you so long. Hold on to your memories. Prayers and thoughts
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember the times our folks hung out together over the years. They were immense friends. They are now all reunited again. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julia & Bonnie,
I am sorry to hear of this loss. Your mom was always such a grand lady to me. Kind beyond words. I will remember her fondly as a wonderful representative of Fayetteville and the Carter Family. Saying prayers for you all during this sad time.
Cindy Lynn-Dunivan
Dear Bonnie and Julia.
We are so sorry to hear about Margaret’s passing. She was an amazing lady and we will remember her fondly. Will be thinking of you and sending much love. Henry and Katerina Hereford
Bonnie, so sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing. Prayers.
Mrs. Bonnie,
Sorry to hear of Mrs. Margaret’s passing . You will be in my prayers in the days to come.
Lenace Hyde
Bonnie and Julia, I’m so sad to hear about your sweet mom. She was one of my favorites! So many great memories. I’m praying for peace and comfort for you and your family. Much love,
Connie Walker
Bonnie and Family, praying for you during this sad time.
I am very sorry to hear about Margaret. She was such a good person and I always enjoyed being in her company during my time in Fayetteville.
Bonnie and Julia,
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Mother. I will certainly remember you all in my prayers with hope of comfort in the times ahead.
Bonnie, I’m sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Thought and prayers are with you.
Bonnie & Julia,
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you in the days to come. Hold tight to those precious memories and our hope of a promised reunion. Love you both.
Dear Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a dedicated person, an advocate for children and for education May God bless your family with peace.