This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one
Judith Kay Beckett Carter (1942-2019)
Judith Kay Beckett Carter, age 77, of Columbia, MO, died peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2019, at her home surrounded by family.
Judy was born in Auburn, Nebraska to Robert Liston Beckett and Norma Darlene Hall Beckett on January 23, 1942. She attended school in Stella, NE, graduating in May, 1960. She attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA from 1960-1963, and married Ronald Dean Carter on June 2, 1963 in Stella, NE. She graduated from Westmar College in Lemars, IA in May 1964. Judy taught third and fourth grades in Kingsley, IA from Aug. 1964 to May 1965, and taught fourth and fifth grades at College Community Schools in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from Aug.1965 through May 1969, helping to put Ron through University of Iowa School of Medicine.
Judy and Ron adopted Ronald Paul, born May 17, 1969 and Lyanna Renee, born July 20, 1971. Judy gave birth to Amy Susanne on Feb. 1, 1973. The Carter family lived in Oak Harbor, WA from 1974 to 1976, when they moved to Columbia.
In 1988, Judy received her M. Ed. from University of Missouri-Columbia in special education with emphasis on learning disabilities. She was a Life member of the Mizzou Alumni Association, Columns Society and the Jefferson Club. She taught at Fairview Elementary in a L.D. (learning differently) resource room in the late 1980s and 1990’s.
Judy was active in her church, Fairview Community of Christ, and several civic organizations, including Voluntary Action Center and Assistance League of Mid-Missouri. Along with Becky MacLellan she was instrumental in developing the ALMM Upscale Resale Shop, beginning in the late 1990’s. Judy was exceedingly kind and generous; a wonderful wife, mother, friend, teacher, and volunteer. She loved to quilt, work in the yard, cook, travel and help others who were less fortunate.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her sister-in-law Carolyn Carter White and her son-in-law Matt Gaumer. She is survived by her husband Ron Carter; her brother, Bob Beckett (Sandra); her sister, Sue Beckett Reichard (Tim); her brothers-in-law Rick Carter and Tim Carter (Carol); her son, Paul Carter; daughters Ann Carter and Amy Carter Zschoche (Drake); grandchildren: Jeremy, Miranda, Riley, Drake and Lauren; nieces and nephews: Kermit, Don, Cindy, Kirt, Krisanne, Jeremy, Brandon, Brooke and Brynne.
On April 8 Judy’s brain was donated to Northwestern University Neurology where she had been in a six-year+ study of Primary Progressive Aphasia and Fronto-Temporal Dementia. She was cremated April 9 at Columbia Cremation Care.
On Saturday, May 4, a celebration of Judy’s life will be held at the First Christian Church, 10I N. 10th Street, Columbia, MO. A period of visitation will be held from 12:30 pm until 1:50 pm. The formal program celebrating Judy’s Life will begin at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Assistance League of Mid-Missouri, Outreach International, Voluntary Action Center, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Mizzou Alumni Association, Hospice Compassus or the church/charity of donor’s choice.
