Avis de décès de Nettie-Mae-Foreman Carter

CARTER Nettie Mae Foreman, age 76, of Paterson, New Jersey, went Home to meet her Lord on Monday, April 6, 2009. Her transition took place quietly and peacefully at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey, where she received excellent medical care and attention. Nettie's medical care, physical comfort, safety, and overall emotional well being was very carefully and lovingly monitored, daily, by her Goddaughter, Udetta Chestnut-Garache. Nettie was aware of Udetta's daily presence, and knew that she was loved.Nettie was born in New Bern, North Carolina on April 28, 1932. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Lydia Foreman, and the adopted daughter of Hanavah Carter.Nettie graduated from West Street High School in 1951, and Bennett College, both of North Carolina, in 1995, with a BA degree In Education. Immediately following graduation, Nettie moved to Paterson, and secured employment at St. Joseph's Hospital, where she single-handedly organized the medical library for the School of Nursing. After completion of that task, she left St. Joseph's Hospital, and began her lifelong career, and "true calling", as an educator. Nettie began her educational career at "Our Lady of Lourdes" Catholic Elementary School, where she was the first Black teacher ever hired to teach for the Paterson Diocese. After teaching 5th grade for several years in that school, Nettie spent the rest of her teaching career at P.S. #4, now Dr. Frank Napier Jr. School of Technology, where she organized the only 4-H Club in the District, and taught for 34 rewarding years, before finally retiring in 1998.Understanding that learning is a lifelong process, Nettle continued her education by earning an MA Degree from William Paterson College in 1986. In 2004, at age 74, Nettie again decided to further her education, and enrolled at Felician College, in Lodi, New Jersey. She maintained a "B+" average and earned a degree In Religious Studies, in 2008, at age 76, which allowed her to become a Pastoral Minister.Nettle was an active member of "Our Lady of Victory" Church for over 50 years. She was a devout Catholic who always held the "virtue of Humility" very dear, never sought attention or self-gratification, and fully participated in all church functions for the Glory and Honor of God. She served on the Education Counsel for the Paterson Diocese, was Director of the only Gospel Choir in the Diocese of Paterson; served as Youth Director; was founder of B.L.A.C.K, which means "Black Leadership and Christian Knowledge," was a member of the Rosary and Diversity Societies; and also served as a Lecture and Eucharistic Minister.Nettie Carter was a phenomenal woman, whose life was never just about herself, but rather about what she could do for others, She was one of the founders of Paterson Habitat for Humanity, where she served as a Board member, Chairperson of the Family Selection Committee, and Directed the Habitat Homeowners Choir. Nettie also participated in the program for first time offenders in Paterson's Juvenile Court since the 1970's, volunteered at the PEA office every Thursday, always made herself available to drive church members and neighbors to doctor's appointments, food shopping etc.. and willingly did whatever else was needed. For her educational, church, and community leadership and volunteerism, Nettie was recognized and presented with a plethora of certificates, plaques and awards, which she accepted with a genuine sense of surprise and humility.Nettle is survived by a sister, Elveta Attmore of South Carolina, four godchildren, Udetta Chestnut-Garache, Thaddeus Chestnut, Monefa Evans, and Diane Jones of Paterson; three grandchildren, Thaddeus Chestnut of Paterson, Natakie Chestnut-Sanders of Philadelphia, and John Chestnut Jr. of New York; two great-grandchildren, Tabia Chestnut-Sanders and Thaddeus Chestnut Jr.; five devoted friends, Mary Ruffin, Mary Crooms, Maggie James, Margaret Gass and Deborah Burton, of Paterson, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins,Viewing will be on Monday, April 13, 2009, from 3-5 and 7-9 PM at the Carnie P. Bragg Funeral Home, 256 Rosa Parks Blvd., Paterson, NJ 07501. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, 10 AM, at Our Lady of Victory Church, 100 Fair Street, Paterson.In accordance with Nettle's life of service and giving, and in lieu of flowers, please make all monetary donations to her favorite charity, Paterson Habitat for Humanity, at 146 North 1st Street, Paterson, 07522, and/or her church. Our Lady of Victory.