Mrs. Mary Helen Brooks Carter, 92, of Hartwell, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023 peacefully at home with family by her side.

Born on April 16, 1930 in Elberton GA, she was the daughter of the late James Addison Brooks and Lola Mae Smith Brooks.  She began her training to be a nurse at Anderson Memorial Hospital and completed her training at Johns Hopkins University becoming a Surgical RN.  Years later, she met William Oscar Carter and they married in June 1954.  In May 1955, their family started and she became a homemaker.  Mary supported her children's interests through service as a Den Mother, Brownie Leader, football mom, baseball mom, band mom, chaperone and chauffeur.  Mary loved life and all it offered.  She was active throughout her life in the Hartwell community and her church, Hartwell First United Methodist Church.  She participated in several early productions of the Hart County Community Theater, was a member of the Ladies Golf Association, and served as secretary for both her UMW Circle group and the Nancy Hart Garden Club for many years. She was a member of the DAR and recently retired from the Hart County Library Board after 20 years of service. Mary enjoyed playing bridge and played in numerous Bridge Clubs over her lifetime. In her later years, she loved to travel – taking many wonderful trips with The Fun Club and her church. She was also devoted to her faith and participated in a number of Bible study groups and "Glory Girls" retreats.  Mary always saw the good in people; the cup was always half-full, never half-empty.  She loved to laugh and rejoiced in the good that life offered.

Survivors include her two sons, Richard B. Carter, Sr. of Nashville, TN and Stephen C. Carter (Kathy) of Hartwell, her daughter Mary Brooks C. Hogan (Bill) of Hartwell and daughter-in-law Cindy Hudgens Carter of Spartanburg SC; nine grandchildren Richard Carter Jr., Meredith Ann Carter Krzyston (Stephen), Jim Carter Jr., Lauren Carter, Will Hogan Jr., Carter Hogan, Addison Hogan, Kathryn Carter and Emily Carter; and five great grandchildren Zoe Carter, Madison Carter, Brandon Carter, Carter Krzyston and Frances Krzyston. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Louisa Carter Alexander (Blanton) of Jefferson, and her special friend and caregiver, Jan Toney Madden.  Mary was preceded in death by her husband William Oscar Carter, son Dr. James W. "Jim" Carter Sr. and stepson Robert H. "Bob" Carter, and four brothers Carl Brooks, Ralph Brooks, Harold Brooks and Fred Brooks and sister Lorraine Brooks Scarborough.

The family expresses its sincere thanks and gratitude to Amedisys Hospice for the exceptional care its staff provided Mary and the comfort provided to her family.

A service to celebrate Mary's life will be held Monday, February 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hartwell First United Methodist Church with Dr. R. Allen Stewart officiating.  Pallbearers will be Jim Carter Jr., Richard Carter Jr., Will Hogan Jr., Carter Hogan, Stephen Krzyston and John Mosley.  The family will receive friends at a reception following the service in the church fellowship hall.  A private interment service will be at the Northview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Hartwell First United Methodist Church, 200 East Howell Street, Hartwell, GA 30643, Hart County Food Pantry, 130 East Howell Street, Hartwell, GA 30643 or to a charity of one's choice.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all arrangements.