Norma J. Carter

Norma J. Carter, age 95, of Cantrall passed away on Sunday September 7, 2025 at Villa Health Care East in Sherman, Illinois.

She was born on April 28, 1930, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Edward and Ethell Jurgens Benner.

She married James Carter on October 6, 1948 in Williamsville, IL.

She is survived by her children: Jim (Barb) Carter of Athens, Larry (Barb) Carter of Williamsville, and Mary Tobias (Donny Bednarko) of Athens; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Carter of Cantrall; her grandchildren: Lance (Barbie) Carter, Keri (Doug) Pipkins, Tracy Moore, Lara (Kris) Bollin, Brandon Poe (Tara Dillon), Forrest (Sarah) Poe, Dale (Amanda) Carter, Alicia Carter Scaggs, Kristin (Chris) Etter, Morgan (Bob) Thoman; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Wanda (Ted) Christen; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; sons, Bruce Carter and Ed Carter; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Sarah Benner.

Norma retired from the State Public Health Lab, which was part of the Department of Nuclear Safety, where she worked since it was created in 1980 until her retirement.

Norma enjoyed her family, friends, reading, sewing and being active as long as possible. She will be remembered by many for her kindness, fun-loving personality and of course her contagious laugh.

Over the years she volunteered when needed at Cantrall Elementary School, Cantrall and Athens Methodist Church, and at the Villa Senior Care Community in Sherman. Norma was always willing to help out wherever needed.

She was a member of the Athens Methodist Church and participated in many activities at the church over the years.

Visitation for Norma will be held from 12:00 PM until the funeral services at 2:00 PM on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. Burial will be held immediately after the service at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Athens United Methodist Women.

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