Obituary of Blonzie-Mae-Booth-Ransom-Mills Carter

Blonzie Mills Carter, was embraced by her Savior during the bright afternoon hours of Jan. 24, 2013. Homegoing service is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2, at 11a.m. at the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Tallahassee. Public viewing begins Friday, Feb. 1, from 11a.m. to 7 p.m. at Strong & Jones Funeral Home. Flowers may be sent to Strong & Jones no earlier than Friday. Sister Carter was born Jan. 6, 1934 in Sopchoppy to the late Arlee Simmons and Surry James Booth. She was educated in the schools of Wakulla County and Nashville, Tenn. While there, Sister Carter was employed as a housekeeper, and in her spare time sang in gospel groups that performed live radio music on Nashville stations. During that time she met her first husband, Jessie J. Ransom Sr., a member of the Traveling Israelites Quartet.Years later, after returning to the Wakulla area to live and work among family and friends, she met and married her second husband, John Mills Sr., a business owner and merchant in the Buckhorn area. Affectionately known as the 'Queen of Buckhorn,' she was often seen working diligently in both the general store and café that she and her husband owned. The two remained united until his death.In an effort to stay active, she involved herself in a number of odd jobs throughout the years. This included becoming a security guard, crossing guard, baker, crab-picker, crafter, crochet artist extraordinaire, nurse's aide at the Wakulla Manor, and musician when her fingers and guitar would allow it. She obeyed the plan of salvation and was a faithful member of the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Tallahassee, until her health began to fail. Those who will cherish fond memories of her include one daughter, Rachel Donaldson (Herbert Sr.); three sons, Lloyd, Floyd (Pauline), and Jessie (Rhonda) Ransom; one sister, Kathleen Arnett; aunt, Mariah Whitehurst; grandchildren, Herb Jr., Kevin, Michael, Felicia, Kimberly Nicole, Jennifer, Cynthia, Clifford, Floyd Jr. (J.B.), Shane, Frankie, Nicole, and Tron; 36 great-grandchildren; her church family; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.She was predeceased by her son, John Eugene Mills Jr.; a sister, Betty Jean Hines; and husbands, Jessie J. Ransom Sr., John Mills Sr., and Joseph Carter.