Ms. Irene Carter

Irene Carter, was born in Waco Georgia to Nathan and Millie Elizabeth (Wright) Vaughn on March 15, 1926. She was the eleventh of twelve children. After graduating high school, she moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she met her loving husband of 64 years, Chester L Carter. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sons, Clifford Wayne and Chester Lee, III. Also, three brothers: Nathaniel, Emmitt and Ira Vaughn; seven sisters: Ruby, Willie Mae, and Annie Lou Vaugh; Thelma Phillips, Helen Wright, Ida Hellins and Mildred Turner.

In Kansas City, Irene worked part time as housekeeper for Robert and Madeline Koenigsdorf for over forty years. Over the years she was invited and present for her employers weddings, funerals, births of babies and other family events. After retirement, Irene and her husband would take Madeline to doctor’s visits and go shopping together as they had became friends. Irene enjoyed cooking and hosting Christmas and Fourth of July events for her family and their friends. Throughout the years, many friends became extended family and looked forward to the next year celebration. These events became a reunion for all. For New Year’s, Irene would prepare hog head cheese literally from scratch, starting with a hog head and ending with a meat grinder and pressing. The tradition would not have been the same without a large pot of slowly cooked black eyed peas. On New Year’s Day, she would call each of her adult children to let them know that she had prepared their food to begin the New Year.

Irene was an active member of Greg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church for 71 years. She participating in fund raising and church events. She received an honor for dedication and service and later awarded the oldest church mother. She enjoyed donating clothing, food and supplies to the church’s efforts regularly. Two of her favor songs were “A Closer Walk With Thee” and “Amazing Grace”. Irene enjoyed watching Westerns, Matlock, Perry Mason and Columbo. She watched the news and kept up on local events in Kansas City and participated in the neighborhood block watch.

She loved her family and showed her love by spending time with her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. As an excellent cook, her children and her children’s children would always stop by and head straight for the kitchen. She was known for her double layered sweet potato cobblers and greens, which she prepared twice a year for up to a hundred people.

On Good Friday, April 15, 2022 Irene Carter passed on. Leaving behind to cherish her memory: One brother; Lowell Vaughn. Children; Elaine Carter-Kube, Jannett Carter, Alveria Ward, Beverly Brewington, Phyllis Saxton, Dewitt Hueigh. 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 25 great-great grandchildren. Brother-in Law Arthur L. Carter, San Diego, California and Sister in Law Carrie Waters, Houston, Texas. Bonus sons: Damon Brewington and Emanuel Dedner. Bonus daughter: (Alvalean) Sarah Webb and a Host of other relatives and friends.

Irene was a dedicated and loving wife, Mother and friend that lived a rich and full life. Her kindness, generosity and love touched everyone that she met. She will be greatly missed and her legacy lives on.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 23, 2022, 11:00am at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the chapel. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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