Ephraim W. Carter, Jr.

Ephraim Winchester Carter, Jr. passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017. He was born on December 7, 1929 in Winterville, Mississippi. He was the eldest son of Ephraim Winchester Carter, Sr. and Annie Olivia Carter. Their marriage produced five siblings including Albert Carter, Charles Carter, Cleotha Carter, Penny Ann Quinn, and Thomas D. Carter.

Ephraims formative years were spent on a farm in Winterville, Mississippi where at an early age he accepted Christ and was baptized by Pastor Reason Buckner of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi. As a young man he attended Sacred Heart High School where he was a leader, athlete, scholar and popular vocalist. He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy O. McCray and they moved to Memphis, Tennessee in search of a better life. From this union, Ralph Darrell Carter and Carol Ann Carter were born. While in Memphis in pursuit of a career, he became a licensed barber.

In 1952, Ephraim joined the United States Army and proudly served the military during the Korean Conflict. Upon receiving his honorable discharge he moved to Saginaw, Michigan in 1954. Once Mr. Carter arrived in Saginaw, he went to work quickly and became immersed in the fabric of the black community and the city at large. In 1954, he joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and choir member. In 1958, he met and wed Alice Imogene Branch. Their union produced 2 sons, Terrance Winchester Carter and Clarence Lawrence Carter. In 1975, Ephraim was an entrepreneur and owned at various times Carters Barber Shop, Carters Record Shop and a nightclub known as the Bismarck (co-owned with Albert and Charles).

Ephraim was both a humanitarian and politician in Saginaw County. As a leader, he was part of a coalition that worked to provide opportunities for disadvantaged and disenfranchised community residents. He empowered people who were previously uninformed. In the early 1960s, he began his political career by serving as Buena Vista Townships first African American board member.

Ephraim belonged to or was affiliated with a mlange of groups and organizations including the Frontiers Club, the Lions Club, and he was recognized as one of the areas top golfers. In addition he was an avid fisherman, hunter, and bowler.

Mr. Carter is survived by four sons, Ralph Darrell Carter, Terrance Winchester Carter, Clarence Lawrence (Stephanie) Carter, and Korry Turner; one daughter, Carol Ann Carter; 8 grandchildren, Darrell LaVell, Terrance John, Terrance Jamar, Candace Trishon (James Toles), Christina Nicole, Carmen Alexis, Chelsea Lauren and Brooklyn Watson; 5 great-grandchildren, Autumn Samara, LaVell Sean, Liam Mathew, Joshua Evan, Tinsley Michelle, and Madison Grace-Alexandria; one brother, Thomas Douglas (Brenda) Carter; sister, Ann (Clarence) Gibson-Boone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ephraim Carter, Sr. and Annie O., brothers, Albert Carter, Charles Carter and Cleotha Carter; and sister, Penny Ann Quinn.

In his infinite and incomprehensible wisdom, the good Lord has decided to bring Ephraim Winchester Carter, Jr. home to join him in Heaven. Praise the Lord!



Visitation: Friday, February 24, 2017 - 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826


Family Hour: Friday, February 24, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Paradise Funeral Chapel
3100 South Washington Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)754-4826

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 25, 2017 - 11:00 a.m.
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
810 Cathay Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48601
(989)753-3282


Officiating: Pastor Robert B. Corley, Jr., Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church
Host Interim Pastor: Gregory Johnson, Jr., Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Churach
Pastor-Elect: Reverend Blake Strozier, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church