Betty J. Carter

Betty J. Carter, age 97, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. She was born on November 12, 1928, the daughter of Clyde and Lucille McKinney. She married Doran Carter on May 8, 1948. Together they were blessed with two wonderful children, Joyce Elaine and Michael Scott.

Betty was a collector of all things. She enjoyed thrift shopping, garage sales, and going to auctions. She loved to sew and crochet. She also loved being outside bird-watching and gardening. Growing plants and playing in the dirt is how she spent a lot of her time. She collected rocks from every place she visited. She was not afraid to tell you exactly what was on her mind. Being strong-willed and stubborn is what led to the longevity of her life, even though she always said that the golden years were “Pigeon Poop.” Betty will be remembered as someone who always listened without judgment and always had words of wisdom to share. She will be remembered as a lady of her times and loved her family “just a little bit and a whole lot more.”

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Karen Carter of Lawrenceville; five grandchildren: Amy (Randy) Bell of Bone Gap; Andrea (Wayne) Harper and Fred Koster of West Salem; Michelle Wells of Lawrenceville; and Bryan (Alyssa) Carter of Mt. Carmel; thirteen great-grandchildren: Zack (Kourtney) Hayes of Chandler, Indiana; Makenze and Makaylee Bell of Bone Gap; Cierra, Lexi, Armond, and Lucas Harper of West Salem; Catilyn Wells and Josh Devin of Lawrenceville; Jayna, Morgan, and Bailey Carter of St. Francisville, and Leila Sweeney of Mt. Carmel; three great-great grandchildren: Carter Wells, Hazel Hayes, and anticipating the arrival of baby Hayes; and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Lucille; her husband, Doran; her siblings, Rondel McKinney, Paul McKinney, Bill McKinney, Eunice Hollis, Maxine McCausland, Jim Creech, and Donnie McKinney; her children, Joyce and Scott; great-grandchild, Keegan Michael; and her beloved pet, Molly Jo.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Lawrenceville City Cemetery. There is no public visitation. Family and friends are welcome and may dress casually. Memorial donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1411 15th Street, in Lawrenceville, Illinois.