Janice Elaine Carter

Janice Elaine McKay Carter, fondly known as Nana and Maw Maw, was born on December 23, 1935 to James William McKay and Nannie Kinard Spence McKay in Winston County, Mississippi. She entered heaven on June 28, 2025 after a brief but valiant fight with cancer.

Janice was the only daughter and second child of six children with brothers Donald, Daniel, James, Paul and Robert. Janice graduated from Louisville High School in 1954 and was in the top 10% of her class.

Janice married Raymond J Carter on September 5, 1954. After residing in Oxford, Mississippi while Raymond completed Graduate School, they returned and made their home in Biloxi, Mississippi. While her children were young, Janice worked as a teacher’s aide at Biloxi Public Schools.

After her divorce, Janice managed the gift shop at Beauvoir, The Last Home of Jefferson Davis, for nearly 20 years. Janice also worked at Books-a-Million in Edgewater Mall, at Hickory Farms in Edgewater Mall during many Christmas seasons, and at Lucia’s Hallmark in Ocean Springs.

Janice was a member of the Order of Eastern Star. On May 15, 2025, she received her 50-year pin. She held many positions over the years including all the star points, Worthy Matron of Adah #49 and Fellowship #388. She held the following Grand Offices for Order of the Eastern Star of Mississippi: Grand Electa, District Deputy Grand Matron of the 17th District and Grand Representative of Ohio in Mississippi. Janice loved her sisters and brothers in the Star.

Janice was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Biloxi, Mississippi until it closed its doors. She began attending Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, several years ago where she volunteered with the church food pantry and attended Ladies Bible Study. Her granddaughter, Laurel, often attended Bible study with her Nana.

Janice’s favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers and their spouses: Donald (Laverne) McKay, Daniel (Fonda) McKay, James (Alice) McKay, Paul (Johnnie Ruth) McKay; her daughter, Jeanne Elaine Carter Luckey and her grandson, Donald Paul Carter.

Janice is survived by her children: Raymond D Carter, Janice (Gregory) Stevens, Michael (Gwendolyn) Carter, son-in-law, Alwyn H Luckey, grandchildren: Crystal (Jason) Gazafy, Laurel Luckey, Taylor (Luke) Brennan, Jackson Stevens, and William Carter. Janice is also survived by her great grandchildren: Chase Gazafy, Sean Gazafy, Cornelius Brennan and Toxie Ray Brennan.

Janice leaves behind her youngest brother Robert (Joyce) McKay, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Shundra Benson and her extended family also became a part of Janice’s story in 2005 and remained important and loved by Janice until her passing.

Family, friends and all who knew Janice are invited to honor her on Wednesday, July 2nd at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ocean Springs, Mississippi with visitation at 12:30 pm followed by funeral service at 1:30 pm. There will be a reception at the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. A private graveside burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, the Order of Eastern Star, or to your favorite charity.

The family wishes to thank Deaconess Hospice of Biloxi for all their compassion and care for our mother during her final days.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Janice Elaine McKay Carter.