Shirley Odum Carter

Shirley Odum Carter entered into heaven with a sweeter voice to be heard by everyone on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 at her home in Ridgeland, SC. She was 86 years old.

She is survived by her husband, James Edward “Eddie” Carter, Jr.; her three children: Jennifer Anne Carter, James Edward “Bubba” Carter, III (Vivianna) and Jeffrey Britton Carter; five grandchildren: Lauren Crosby, Blake Crosby (Amy), Kelly Clark (Ken), River Carter and Makaira Carter; and four great-grandchildren: Matthew Crosby, Nathan Crosby, Charlie Clark and Amelia Clark. She is also survived by one brother, William Henry Odum (Brenda), and four nieces: Donna Helmken, Tammi Grayson, Scarlet Hammersmith (Michael) and Tara Harris (Ben).

Shirley was born in Savannah, GA, on October 1, 1934. Her family originated in Darien, GA, where she enjoyed many summers with her grandparents as a child on their farm. Shirley graduated from Savannah High School in 1952, and attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, where she received her Practical Nursing Certificate. She married Eddie on December 5, 1953 and was married for 68 years. Shirley is remembered for her kindness and sweet voice. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother. She loved doing things for her family; cooking was one of them. Her fried chicken and lemon meringue pies were unprecedented. Her most cherished role was that of a grandmother and great-grandmother. Shirley worked for Sea Pines Plantation for many years and handled the employee insurance program, where she helped numerous employees with paperwork to offset their medical costs. Everyone who knew her or had the pleasure to meet her said she was the sweetest person they ever knew. Shirley was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Mack Daniel Odum and Alberta Fulton Odum Axson, one sister, Sue Ann Odum Helmken, and one granddaughter, Christen Elizabeth Crosby.

The family would like to express their utmost gratitude for the love and support they received from the staff of Crescent Hospice.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 1 o’clock pm at the Ridgeland Cemetery in Ridgeland, SC. The family will receive visitors following the service. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 550, Ridgeland, SC 29936. Linda Dailey at Double L Florist will be handling the flowers for the family; she may be reached at 843-258-4008.

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