Terri Lenor Carter

In Washington, D.C., on February 21, 1965, Ms. Ellen Carter-Rollins and the late Mr. Charles McKinley Carter Sr. were blessed with a lovely baby girl, Terri Lenor Carter, the youngest of two.

Terri began her relationship with Christ at a young age. Thorough out her life’s journey, Terri’s light shined through her strength, ambition compassion, and by advocating not only for herself but for others.

In 1979, As a teenager, Terri moved to San Jose, CA with her family. She attended Andrew Hill High School and San Jose Job Corps where she obtained her G.E.D. and Primary Nurse Care Certificate.

1989, While traveling home from work, Terri was hit by a drunk driver and became a quad paralysis individual and confined to a wheelchair. Due to her paralysis, Terri did not allow that to dampen her spirit of helping others.

In 1990, Terri began living independently. She worked multiple jobs in retail and skilled nursing facilities Terri acquired her own apartment 1990 and lived there until her Sunset 2021.

She attended San Jose City College and studied Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) working on a degree in Graphic Design.

In 1997, She joined the Bay Area Church of God in Christ- San Jose Sector

Her mentors were QueenAnn Cannon, Colleen Hudgens, Grandma Bertha Starks, and Viera Whye. Terri loved the writings of Maya Angelou and Audre Lorde. Terri’s favorite music artists were Janet Jackson and Aaliyah. Terri enjoyed watching the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Raiders, and her heartthrob team was the Washington Redskins.

Terri was involved in various organizations such as The African American Community Service Agency, SCC Independent Living Center, Working Partnerships- Union SEIU 715, 521, Sunset at SEIU 2015.

Terri worked closely with Santa Clara County & San Jose Elected’s: Mike Honda, Jim Beall, and Ken Yeager on campaigns for Independent Living and Homeless Coalition .

From1997-2001, Terri was loved and appreciated as an art teacher for the After School Program and Summer Camp at The African American Community Service Agency (AACSA). Terri took the children swimming and on field trips daily. Those events were highly enjoyed by the young people which are now young adults of today.

In 2006 -2020, The Santa Clara County Valley Medical Center Secret Santa, Terri facilitated for the children in the Burn, Spinal Cord, Pediatrics, Newborn/Pedi Intensive Care Units. Terri had Santa Claus to go to the units for Christmas, prepared gift bags for children, and made sure every NIC baby had a full outfit to wear home as well as other items. Such a great deed, Terri received lots of support with this endeavor.

At San Jose City College: Within the Disabled Student Body Terri codeveloped the “Exceptional People’s Club”, instructed the members about having a voice, and advocated for them. Terri was a member of Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlan (MEChA) and was fluent in English, Spanish, and Sign Language.

Proceeds in death: her grandparents, her father, Mr. Charles McKinley Carter Sr,. She leaves to cherish her loving memories: Her mother, Ms. Ellen Carter-Rollins, older brother, John Charles McKinley Carter, Nana Delia Hererra and her loving Goddaughter, Jasmine Fultz, Aunts & Uncles, Cousins, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Adjourning Board Meeting in Terri Carter’s honor 6/22/21.

Terri, you will be missed!