FORT SMITH — Thelma Cristee Carter,

96, died peace fully at home on April 7, 2023. She was born on February 8, 1927, in Alma, Ark., to George W. and Edna (Pinson) Cristee.

She married her husband of sixty-five years, Maurice A. Carter, on September 15, 1946. Together, they ran Carter Truck Line for over twenty years. Her greatest service was as a wife and homemaker, mother to two, grandmother to four and great- grandmother to six. A very accomplished cook, she was happiest cooking and baking for friends and especially family. Her signature dessert was pecan pie. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, but recently rejoined the church of her youth, First Baptist Church. She was a long-time member of the Seekers Sunday School Class, and a longtime member of chapter AS PEO.

Survivors include sons, Cris (Carolyn) Carter of Bentonville, and Keith (Shannon) Carter of Fort Smith; grandchildren, Chad (Kim) Carter of Longmont, Colo., Beth (Adam) Martin of Addison, Texas; Brandon (Kim) Carter of Aledo, Texas; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice A. Carter; grandson, Blake Carter; sisters, Wanda Gregg and Gladys Whittenberg; and brother, Leo Cristee.

The family acknowledges and appreciates the compassion and care shown by the staff of Home Instead and Mercy Hospice.

Visitation will be Monday, April 10, 2023, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home.

There will be a private graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Monday Class at Grand Avenue Baptist Church; Grand Avenue Baptist Church Helping Hands ministry; or to the TSC Alliance (give.TSCalliance.org).

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.