Sheryl Melaine Carter

Celebrating a Life Well Loved and Well Lived

Sheryl Melaine Reed Carter

“LANIE”

Sheryl was Lovingly born on August 4, 1960, to J.D. Reed and Francis Johnson. She was preceded in death by her father and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

Sheryl’s Life was deeply rooted in faith, family, education, and service. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized under the leadership of the late Dr. H.J. Cook. Her love for the Lord continued to grow as she faithfully participated in the Baptist Training Union” BTU” and lifted her voice in praise as a member of the H.J. Cook choir. Those early years in the church helped shape the woman she would become and created memories that would remain in a special part of her life.” While in Georgia, she became a member of the Greater Zion Hill Baptist church. Here she became a faithful member of the young adult choir. Singing God’s praises all over the city.

Sheryl began her journey in the North Chicago Community education system. Later she attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. There, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/ Management and Information Systems. It was during this time that Sheryl pledged and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Epsilon Iota chapter. Sheryl has worked in many positions from radio station administration in Kentucky to a computer operation in Atlanta, to a computer systems specialist in Colorado, then a computer systems administrator in Kansas City. Culminating in a GS position in Fort Leavenworth, Ks. She accumulated enormous hours of sick leave. Sheryl displayed work ethics beyond reproach. Never wanting to miss a single day’s work. Unfortunately, she never saw retirement.

It was during a brief weekend trip, for the 4th of July 1992, from Atlanta to Colorado Springs, that her newfound love became her soulmate for the next 34 years. It was a whirlwind romance that did not lose its strength. Roy Carter became the love of her life. Both had full-time jobs. But they would be on the phone for hours during the day. And on January 1st, 1994, the two were married. To this union, Takayla Gene’ was born. The family moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 2000. Just so the commute from Colorado to Chicago was not so long for either family.

Talk about the ultimate sports mom. She was at every football game, hockey match, or whatever sporting event that Devin was playing. Screaming louder than the other parents, cheering the teams on. When T.K. was in cheerleading and dance class, Sheryl was right there too. Screaming instructions to her daughter from the sideline.

Sheryl leaves to cherish her loving memory: husband, Roy Carter, of the home; sons: Steven Carter, of Kansas City, KS, Derrick Carter of Raymore MO, Derrais Carter of Pawtucket RI, and Devin McDaniel, of the home; daughter, Takayla Carter, also of the home; granddaughter, Charleigh Carter of Raymore, MO; two god sons, Gerard Addison, of Powder Springs, GA, and Zayion Ion Johnson, of Kansas City, MO; her mother, Bessie Johnson, of Waukegan, IL; brothers, Michael Leavall, of Waukegan, IL and Steve Johnson, of Milwaukee, WI; sister, Kathina Bailey (Richard), of  Waukegan, IL; sisters-in-law: Rosie McDaniel, of Kansas City, KS, Betty Smith (Lee), of Menifee, AR and Rosie Briggs, of Bakerfield, CA; aunts, Minnie Wesley, of Waukegan, IL and Ora Payne (Atlas), of Gladstone, MO; one uncle, Sammie Rainey, of Kansas City, MO; an incredibly special niece, Minneka Bailey, of Volo, IL. Sheryl’s extended family: brothers and sister, Terry Joe White and Cynthia White, both from Waukegan, IL and Ed Leavell, of Lexington, KY; additionally, there are a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all not named but loved.