A service to celebrate the Life of Lela Carter will be held 10 AM Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Vondel Smith South Colonial Chapel.

CARTER, Lela Mae, 96, born 9-2-1914 in Wirt, OK departed this life on 1-7-2011. She was the 12th child of Joel & Vesta (Price) Burge. She grew up in Dundee, OK and attended the Baptist Church where she met the love of her life, Eddus Carter. She married Ed in Ringling, OK on 2-18-1933. Lela was a homemaker except for a short time at Douglas Aircraft Defense Plant during WWII. She was a member of Lambuth Methodist Church since 1951 and the Eastern Star since 1952. She was an avid quilter and an accomplished seamstress. Her love of poetry started at a young age and that passion continued throughout her lifetime. She was famous for her perfect turkey dressing and delicious cobblers. Oil painting and working in her yard was another passion in which she took great pride and pleasure. Lela was preceded in death by Ed on 7-9-1984; her parents; siblings; three sons-in-law; and grandson Micky Joe Gatewood. She is survived by daughters Theressa Ledbetter & husband Jim; Evelyn Gatewood; LaVern Zalmanzig; Carmen Winner; 9 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and 17 great, great grandchildren. Visitation will be today and Wednesday from 4-8 PM with family greeting friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at the Funeral Home. Services 10 AM Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Vondel Smith South Colonial Chapel with interment at Resthaven Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lambuth Methodist Church, 3823 S. Shield, OKC 73129.