Obituary of Theodore U. Carter

Theodore Ulysses Carter

Theodore Ulysses Carter was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 16, 1931 to the union of William Maurice Carter and Effie Mae Nathan Carter. He was the sixth and final child of William and Effie’s union.Theodore’s parents and four of his siblings, Olivia, Wilson, Oscar, and  Precious preceded him in death.

Theodore, affectionately called “Ted,” was a beloved son, brother,  husband, father, grandfather, uncle, colleague, and friend. Losing his father at a young age had a profound impact on young Theo. William Maurice Carter was a graduate of Tuskegee University and served his country in the US Army. Ted ultimately followed his father’s life journey when he joined the military and completed his undergraduate degree. He was further inspired by the memory of his father, his nurturing mother, and his older sister, Vicci, to increase the distance of his father’s life journey and earn a graduate degree.

A determined and adventurous young man, Ted ran away from home at the young age of 15 and joined the US Army, becoming a veteran as his father had done. Ted served briefly in Europe at the end of World War II. The GI Bill made Howard University a reality and he was awarded his Juris Doctorate Degree from Howard University Law School. Known for his prodigious work ethic, Ted worked multiple jobs to supplement his GI  benefits as he advanced  through law school, gaining exposure to notable civil rights pioneers, scholars and icons such as John Hope Franklin, Thurgood Marshall and others. After graduation, he began a distinguished career as one of the first African – American attorneys in the Internal Revenue Service’s Philadelphia field office, specializing in tax and estate law.

As a young attorney in Philadelphia, Ted attended a Delta Sigma Theta  Sorority, Inc. dance where he met the love of his life and soon to be wife, Joyce A. Canady. In 1963, Theodore and Joyce wed and raised two children, a son, Theodore, and a daughter, Julia Witten, who preceded him in death.

After marrying, Ted purchased 2 acres of land and moved his family from Philadelphia to the suburb of Williamstown, New Jersey, building a home.

The Carters were one of the first African American families in the Janvier section of Monroe Township in Williamstown. Experiencing the ills of  segregation and Jim Crow  had a profound impact on Ted and he 

vigorously advocated  the philosophy of  “Black excellence” , instilling it in his children; he believed in the value of an advanced education ( both formal and life) and supported his two kids through Georgetown University and Sweet Briar College. Every summer, armed with his cooler packed with food and libations, he drove his family to a different city to attend the     National Bar Association‘s annual convention, providing his family with an opportunity to travel and experience the United States. A humble man with a vision for his financial  future, Ted  was a disciplined saver and investor  and acquired a modest real estate portfolio in Camden New Jersey, and became a champion and advocate for the Camden community.

Theodore had numerous interests: cooking and food, especially ribs and Chitterlings, a deep and abiding passion for the law and he always enjoyed a good debate. He also loved , jazz, films, and watching sports/football - the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles were his favorite teams. He was always passionate about, and remained deeply committed to Howard     University, “the Cap Stone,” and its mission. A voracious reader, he was known for his breadth of knowledge beyond the law. He will be fondly   remembered for his ability to tell a story, his ability to dispense wisdom, his wonderful sense of humor, his baritone laugh, his stubbornness, the infamous “Carter Shrug,” frugality, and love of  a good cocktail. Ted’s personality and presence were ever present -  coupled with an indomitable spirited work ethic, he was an inspiration to family, friends, and colleagues.

Always a family man and the youngest Carter sibling, Ted adored his  mother, Effie, and shared a close relationship with his brothers and sisters, serving as the unofficial patriarch of the Carter family, leading by example and sharing sage advice for his loved ones. He coordinated the Carter Family reunion until his Mother Effie’s death.

Theodore Ulysses Carter reached his sunset on April 16, 2019, peacefully transitioning at Cardinal Village and confronted his autumn days in his   typical easy-going take-life-as it comes demeanor. He leaves behind to cherish and celebrate his well lived life and memory his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Joyce, who he affectionately referred to as “his rock,” his son, Theodore Nathan (Terrie), his grandson, Ralph William Baker III, his sister, Vicci, “Doll” Carter-Matthews, his brother in-law, Herman Canady (Barbara), his sister in-law, Rose Anne Grasty-Carter, and numerous nieces and nephews.