Janice Bridges Carter

Janice Bridges Carter
Lakeland------Janice Bridges Carter, 82, of Lakeland went home to be with the Lord on December 26, 2014 at Southern Care Assisted Living in Tifton, Georgia following several years of declining health. She was born on April 1, 1932 to the late Dollie Mae Bridges Denmark and Crum Bridges, Sr. and lived most of her life in Lakeland. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and educator. Janice was married for 50 years to the love of her life, the late Joseph Perryman "Joe Perry" Carter Jr. She was an alumnus of Lanier County High School, Valdosta State University and the University of Georgia, earning several advanced degrees in the field of education. She served in the Lanier County School System for 34 years as a teacher, Parent Involvement Coordinator, and Media Specialist. She was known for her love of learning, and inspired many students, and friends alike, to set high goals for themselves and further their education. She was an active and faithful member of the Lakeland United Methodist Church and the Action Bunch Sunday School Class. Her family was the joy of her life, nurturing each one with much love and laughter. An exceptional cook, she enjoyed preparing meals for, and sharing time with her family. Janice loved the Lord and passed this love on to her children and grandchildren. She was truly an inspiration to those who knew and loved her.
Survivors are her two daughters and sons-in-law, Ann Carter and Ret. Col. Mark Petermann of Tifton; Cathy Carter and Mark Buescher of Valdosta; son and daughter-in-law Joseph Isaac and Rebecca Carter of Tifton; grandchildren, Douglas Watson, Atlanta; Byron Marnie Watson, Valdosta; Lane Patten, Jackson, Wyoming; Carter Buescher, Valdosta; Katie Buescher, New York, New York; Emma Buescher, Athens; Candler Carter and Isaac Carter, Tifton; great-grandchildren, Perry Watson and Turner Watson, Valdosta; sister Margaret Lightsey, Valdosta; brother Bobby Bridges, Callahan, Florida; and a number of nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Perryman "Joe Perry" Carter; four sisters, Myrtle Johnson, Mary Czarny, Betty Robinson, and Peggy Moore; four brothers, Crum Bridges, Jr., Hute Bridges, Jack Bridges and infant Freddie Bridges. The family would like to express appreciation to the dedicated care givers at Southern Care Assisted Living and to Southern Care Hospice.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, December 29, 2014 in the Lakeland United Methodist Church with funeral services to follow at 11:00 am. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons Douglas Watson, Byron Watson, Candler Carter, Isaac Carter and Carter Buescher, and longtime family friend Joe Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Action Bunch Sunday School Class and the Lanier County Retired Teachers. Donations may be made to the Lakeland United Methodist Church or flowers will be accepted.