Home OBITUARIES Wynette Carter

On June 9, 1930, Wynetta McLaughlin was born to Charlie and Lessie McLaughlin on their family farm in McAdoo, Texas.

She joined a brother, Rudolph, and three sisters, Wanda, Estelle, and Charlotte. Charlie grew cotton, maize, corn and also raised cattle. In addition to farming, he served as County Judge. Despite the Great Depression, the family always had plenty to eat thanks to their big garden. Everyone, including the young girls, worked hard on the farm. Wynetta once commented that having running water was even better than electricity. She knew this because one of her chores was carrying water to the home. The saddest event in Wynetta’s childhood was the death of her only brother, 19-year-old Rudolph, to a mysterious illness. Wynetta watched her parents struggle to save Rudolph through many experimental methods. With her family’s energy and resources stretched to save her beloved brother, the lesson of sacrificially serving was ingrained at a very early age.

Her father, a college graduate, believed in the importance of higher education. He wanted his daughters to attend college as well. When Wynetta was a freshman in high school, Charlie made the difficult decision to move his wife and children to Abilene so his daughters would benefit from the larger school system. Charlie stayed behind to work on the farm. Wynetta finished high school in Abilene and then began her college career at Abilene Christian. The long commute from Abilene to the farm became too burdensome, and the McLaughlins relocated to Lubbock, Texas. There, Wynetta transferred to Texas Tech University. Since young men were coming home from WWII, Wynetta had an abundance of suitors. James, a tall, handsome veteran from Abilene, was quick to notice the petite beauty while attending the Bible Chair, a Christian college fellowship. Wynetta became engaged to James her senior year and then graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in home economics.

On September 17, 1951, James and Wynetta were married and began their 66-year journey together. They purchased a ranch at Valley Mills, Texas, where their three children were born: Karen, Melanie, and Lyle. James worked as a rancher and minister with the Church of Christ. They moved to Gatesville, Paris, Sulphur Springs, Kirbyville, Rattan (OK), and finally retired in Paris. Wynetta willingly supported James in every endeavor.

Wynetta’s priorities were clearly defined. God was always first in her life. Christianity was her identity, and she unselfishly served God. She visited the elderly, taught Bible classes, prepared meals for sick, and helped those in

need. When asked to serve, Wynetta did so without hesitation, always humble and willing to do any task for God’s church.

Next, Wynetta was a devoted mother and wife. Wynetta epitomized the wife of noble character described in Proverbs 31. She was smart and skillfully ran an efficient household. She excelled as a cook, and when her children came home from school, the aroma of fresh baked bread or chocolate chip cookies often greeted them. She studied nutrition and consistently prepared healthy meals using ingredients from her bountiful garden. Wynetta was an excellent seamstress and made most of the family’s clothes. She was a constant encourager. Through the years, her children could always find comfort in her cheerful voice whenever they called home. Despite serious health issues of her own, she loving and single-handedly cared for her husband, a double amputee, until her mid-80’s. She was unflappable.

Wynetta was preceded in death by her parents, brother Rudolph, and sisters Wanda and Charlotte. She is survived by her sister Estelle, daughters Karen Carter, Melanie Wissel and her husband David, and son Lyle Carter and his wife Katherine. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Jared Wissel, Jessica Barton and her husband Eric, and Cash Carter. Those that knew her are comforted by their precious memories of her beautiful example of service and love for her Lord.

Cremation was under the care and direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.

To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit brighthollandfuneralhome.com

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