Joe Cephus Carter, Jr. was born February 18, 1943 to Joe Cephus, and Annie B. Farmby Carter, Sr. in Valley, Alabama. He was the only child born to this union. Both parents preceded him in death.
Accepting Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, Joe joined the Rehoboth Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Rev. C. L. Cranford. He graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1960. Joe served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1963 and receiving an honorable discharge in 1965. He then relocated to Detroit, Michigan and was employed by Ford Motor Company retiring after 30 years of service.
Shortly after securing employment with Ford, he asked his childhood sweetheart, Betty Jean Sherman, for her hand in marriage. Joe and Betty were married for 47 years. God blessed this union with two boys, Dexeric and Brian. While living in Michigan, Joe and Betty were members of The Wings of Love Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Alvin E. Jackson.
Joe Jr. was an avid sportsman-- enjoying many outdoor activities. He taught the boys how to swim when they were mere babies. The family enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking and biking. Joe was known for his barbeque ribs and smoked turkeys. He also enjoyed travel, often taking the family on vacations.
After retirement and relocating to Lanett, Alabama in 1998, Joe reunited with Rehoboth Missionary Baptist Church as a member of the Usher Board. In September of 2003, he was ordained as Deacon under the leadership of Pastor Robert L. Jones, Jr. Deacon Carter served as Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and worked tirelessly around the church until his health began to fail. Deacon Carter was a man of great faith and enjoyed helping others. He volunteered his service wherever he saw a need. He traveled with the pastor visiting the sick, served as the van driver and would volunteer to usher at any given church at any given time. Joe was a gentleman in every aspect.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Betty J. Carter; his children, Terri Y. Carter, Dexeric D. Carter, and Brian K. Carter; three grandchildren, Ashley Carter, Nicole Sanders and Del Sanders, Jr.; two aunts, Catherine Walker and Mary J. Reese; nieces and nephews including special nephews, Vincent Mattox and Eric Wilson; his cousin, Dewey Davidson, who was like a brother; one sister-in-law, Doris Wilson; and a host of other loving relatives, friends and neighbors.