Joanne L. Carter

Joanne L. Carter passed away peacefully at The Gardens of St. Francis in Oregon, Ohio on Thursday, December 7, 2023.  Prior to moving to Oregon, in 2023, Joanne lived in Vero Beach, FL for 39 years.  Joanne was born in Adrian, MI on August 4, 1929, and was the oldest of four children of Owen and Evelyn (Raymond) Briggs.  She attended St. Joseph School and St. Joseph Academy until her family moved to Dundee, MI during her sophomore year.  Joanne graduated from DHS in 1947.  She was formerly married to the late Howard E. Williams with whom she raised 4 children.  Joanne was employed by General Telephone Company of Michigan from 1961 to 1974, where she met her future husband Richard G. Carter.  They were married in 1974 and they made their home in Spring Lake Michigan.  Joanne attended Grand Rapids Community College Nursing School and received her LPN certification in 1979.  She was employed as a Pediatric Nurse at Mercy Hospital in Muskegon, MI from 1979-1982.  Following the passing of her husband Dick, Joanne moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1984, where she worked at the YMCA and then as a Medical Transcriptionist for The Doctors Clinic until 1998.  She was one of the founding members of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach and was actively involved in the early years of the parish.  She often talked about the wonderful people she met and worked with at the Gift Shop.  Joanne was a member of Dodger Pines Country Club and an active member in the DPCC Ladies Golf League.  She was also a member of the Treasure Coast Ladies Golf League.  Above all else, golf was her favorite pastime.

Joanne was preceded in death by husband Richard G. (Dick) Carter, parents Owen and Evelyn Briggs, brother Robert Briggs, sister Marilyn Rigel, sons Richard H. (Dick) Williams and John R. Williams, and infants Barbara Jean and Thomas Jude Williams.

Joanne is survived by brother Frank (Judy) Briggs, daughters Ann (Williams) Sciarini of Toledo, OH and Sally Williams (Rick) McKenzie of Monroe, and daughter-in-law Shalene (Padgham) Williams of Monroe.  Other surviving family members include 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, and 6 nephews and 4 nieces.  Private graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery (Ida, MI) and will be officiated by Monsignor Michael Billian of St. Joseph Parish Sylvania, OH.

Memorial contributions can be made out to The Gardens of St. Francis.