Harriet Carter

Harriet Elaine Carter, age 78 of Petersburg, passed away on March 26, 2023.

She was born January 14, 1945 in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Hardy, Jr. and Zelma Hughes Vandagrift.

Harriet married William Carter on August 7, 1982 at Central Presbyterian Church in Petersburg, Illinois.

Mourning her passing are her husband, William; children, Robert Mason (wife April Brewer) Coomer and Carolyn (husband Jason) Gerwen; step-children, Chris (wife Tracy) Carter, Becky (husband Matt) Duncheon, and Jen Hollis; grandchildren, Seth Carter, Hillary Nelson, Holly Fitzgerald, Maggie Carter, Melanie Duncheon, Kristin Reid, Zelma Coomer, Jake Hardy Gerwen, and Piper Jo Gerwen; four great-grandchildren, Jaxon Nelson, Mason Fitzgerald, Logan Fitzgerald, Madelyn Moore; sister, Doris Melvin; two nieces, Julie and Pamela; and many cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, John Melvin.

Harriet graduated from Athens Community High School.  She then graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.  Harriet was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority.

After a brief teaching career, where she taught in South Carolina and Peterburg, Harriet worked as a University of Illinois Home Extension Advisor.  She then worked with her dad at Hughes Insurance Agency in Athens and later moved the business to Petersburg.  After her father’s retirement, she became sole owner of the Agency.  She sold her insurance business to take care of her parents.

Harriet was a board member of the Joel Hall Cemetery after taking her father’s position on the board.  She also volunteered for many years on the Sunny Acres Advisory Board.

Harriet was a member of Central Presbyterian Church, where she served as a youth group leader, treasure of the Memorial committee and an Elder.

Harriet was also a founding member of the Menard County University Women, and a founding member of the “Birthday Group” at the church.

Harriet loved decorating her home, especially for Christmas. She was a true believer who loved playing Christmas music year-round.  Harriet loved reading and sewing. She was famous for sharing her desserts, especially her angel food cake. Harriet loved travelling the country. Gammy was a hard worker with an incredibly positive spirit. She will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

Visitation for Harriet will be held Thursday, March 30 ^th , 9:30 until 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:00 am at the Central Presbyterian Church in Petersburg.  The burial will be held at Rosehill Cemetery in Petersburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Heifer International, heifer.org or the Athens Municipal Library.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.