Tommie Jean Carter

Tommie Jean Carter was born on July 3, 1942, to the proud parents of Henry and Helen Patterson. She had three siblings who preceded her in death: Joe Henry, Roy Charles, and sister, Billie Anderson. When she was three years old, her family moved from Lubbock, Texas to the Guild's Lake housing development in Portland, Oregon, as her father worked in the Kaiser shipyards. She attended Eliot Grade School, Jefferson High School, and Girls Poly.

She married Jimmy Babe Wilson at the age of 16, and because of their age, they needed parental permission. Their marriage produced three lovely children: Gary Wayne Wilson, Vicki Renee Wilson, and Jimmy Babe Wilson (who preceded Tommie in death).

She later married Booker T. Carter, also known as Papa to his grandchildren until his death on August 24, 1999.

Tommie was not only a young parent but also young at heart. During the summertime, all the kids were outside racing one another; she would join in, beating them all, showing us no mercy. She loved to dance and loved to travel, and was a very sharp dresser.

She loved sports and loved to attend Jefferson High School football and basketball games to watch her sons play. She loved the Dallas Cowboys and the Golden State Warriors. She also enjoyed Friday night meetups with many friends at the Elks Club and Jack and Jill social club. Also, she was a member of the Gathering Committee for many years. If you were from Portland, you would know what the Gathering is. The Gathering was her heart's delight.

She gave to charities and was actively involved in various organizations. Tommie dedicated many years to volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Initially, she served as a driver, delivering meals to people. Later, she worked at the desk, distributing tickets to individuals who came in for a hot meal. She worked for Pacific NW Bell Phone Company, which turned into Quest, now known as CenturyLink, for 27 years before retirement. She met a lifelong group of friends there.

She leaves to mourn: her children, Gary Wilson (Yvette), Vicki Wilson, and Jimmy Wilson (who preceded her in death); grandchildren, Amber Johnson (Anthony), Brittany Harrison; and foster granddaughter, Ashley Ellison; great grandchildren, Ray, Adrielle, Anthony, Aceien, Emma, and Noah; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of lifelong friends.