Sara Lou "Sandy" Carter, 87, of Festus died Aug. 23, 2024, at Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur. Mrs. Carter worked as a certified tax preparer for more than 40 years in the Festus area. She served for 25 years as the treasurer for the Festus Church of the Nazarene where she and her husband were members. She loved God and reading her Bible. She was devoted to her church and family. She enjoyed scrapbooking, sewing gifts for her family, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, reading, listening to gospel music and tending to her flowers and other plants. Most of all, she loved reminiscing with her family about the old days. She was a cancer survivor and will be remembered for being “tough as nails but as gentle as a whisper.” Born June 16, 1937, in Paragould, Ark., she was the daughter of the late Cecil and Ella (Mansell) Smith.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Paul Frederick Carter.
She is survived by five children: Steven (Karen) Carter of Festus, Richard Carter of New Castle, Ind., Tammy (Brian) Head of Festus, Starla (Brian) Wideman of Festus and Nicole Carter of Festus; a brother: Jerry (Linda) Smith of St. Louis; a brother-in-law: Bob Carter of High Ridge; two sisters-in-law: Laurie Smith of St. Louis and Barb Robinson of Grey Summit: a special friend: Laureen Nichols; 11 grandchildren: Frank, Sandy, Emma, Aaron, Brianna, Jessica, Zack, Molly, Logan, Adam and Sam; 19 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by four brothers: Ted (Aline) Smith, Dillon (Maxine) Smith, Larry (Betty) Smith and Charles (Chuck) Smith; a sister: Shirley (David) Morrow; and a grandson: Levi Carter.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at noon Friday, Aug. 30, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Drive, in Festus, officiated by Pastor Tiffany Ross. Memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel.