Ellis J. Carter, Sr.

Ellis J. Carter Sr. was born on September 13, 1965 in Greenville, Mississippi, the fifteenth child of sixteen children to his parents, the late Preastley Carter Jr. and Annie Lee Carter.

Immediately after completing his high school education, Ellis joined the United States Navy. Ellis proudly served in the Navy for several years. After completing his time with the Navy, Ellis moved back to Memphis with his family, where he began his career as a machinist. While in Memphis, he met Shameka Williams and they started a family together. Their first child, EJ, was born on July 7, 2000. Shortly thereafter, in an effort to further his career, Ellis and his family relocated to Bowie, Maryland, where he built a life rooted in hard work and love for his family. His daughter Alexis was later born on April 14, 2004. Known for his strength and determination, he carried himself with a deep sense of independence and resilience that those who knew him respected and admired.

He was the proud father of Ellis “EJ” Carter, Jr. and Alexis Carter, whom he loved very much. Ellis thoroughly valued spending time with his children, where they enjoyed activities such as fishing and going to six flags together.

Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, Preastley Carter, Jr. and Annie Lee Carter, his siblings, Glenda Carter, Preastley Carter III, Paul Carter, Douglas Carter, Cynthia Carter, Gloria Jamerson, and Carnell Porter.

Ellis leaves to mourn and cherish his memory: his children, Ellis J. Carter, Jr and Alexis Carter; five sisters, Nobe Banks, Vera Myles, Shirley Shanklin, Sophronia Thomas, and Jacqueline Smith; three brothers, Roy Carter, Bobby Williams, and Michael Porter; and a host of first and second generation nieces and nephews; other relatives and dear friends.

Ellis will be cherished and always remembered by his friends and family. He will be remembered as strong, overly independent, and someone with a true love for cooking and enjoying good food. Whether preparing meals for himself or sharing them with others, he found joy in creating and savoring delicious dishes. Ellis also loved watching old westerns, animal documentaries, and the Miami Dolphins. His love, his presence, and his strong spirit will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him, and he will be remembered for the lasting impact he had on his family. Gone, but never forgotten.

“Ellis Still Lives”

I say today with a full heart and heavy soul,

Speaking the name that will forever make me whole…

Ellis.

My brother… my friend… my family by God’s design,

A soul so big, it could never be confined to time.

He was the kind of man who gave without asking,

Who loved without limits, who carried without masking.

A provider, a protector, a light in every room—

Even now, his presence refuses to be consumed.

Ellis didn’t just cook… he created love on a plate,

Big dinners made with joy, never worried about his own plate.

He’d stand back and watch us laugh, eat, and smile—

That was his way… that was his style.

And oh… those spades games we used to play,

Talking noise like he had the final say.

But we’d laugh, we’d win, we’d go back and forth—

That love, that joy… you can’t measure its worth.

See, people may say he’s gone… but I know that’s not true.

Because a spirit like his doesn’t just stop—it moves through.

Through every memory, every story we tell,

Through every moment where his love still dwells.

God saw his heart… and called him home,

Said, “My child, you’ve done enough, you don’t have to roam.”

No more pain, no more worry, no more fight—

Just eternal peace… wrapped in heavenly light.

And yeah, it hurts… I won’t pretend it don’t,

There’s a space in my heart that time simply won’t

Ever fully heal… but I find strength in this—

Knowing heaven gained what we deeply miss.

Ellis, you’re still here in every laugh we share,

In every meal, in every prayer.

In every card played, in every joke told loud—

I see you… I feel you… and I’m still proud.

So this isn’t goodbye… it’s “I’ll see you again,”

When God calls my name and I rise like the wind.

And when I see you, I already know what you’ll do—

Smile, talk noise… and say, “Took you long enough too.”

Until that day, I’ll carry you with me always,

In my heart, in my spirit, in all of my days.

Because death is not the end… it’s just God’s way to give—

A new life, eternal… where my brother still lives.

Loving you always,

Your baby sister,

Jacqueline