Lenora Niblack Carter

Lenora Niblack Carter, 107, of Asbury Park, NJ passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at the Opus Nursing Home in West Columbia, SC. Lenora was born in Coconut Grove, Florida to Edgar Niblack and Rosetta Clark Niblack on January 6, 1917.

Lenora also known as: Nora, Big Nora, GG, and the Duchess, a remarkable woman whose journey began in the South and carried her to the North in the late 1930s. Her contributions to the war effort during World War II, crafting parachutes in Detroit, MI, exemplified her dedication and service. Settling in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Lenora and her husband built a life centered around family, work, and community.

For over three decades, Lenora's skilled hands fashioned garments as a seamstress, earning her an esteemed place as an honorary life member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Alongside her husband, she brought joy to countless individuals as a talented photographic colorist, capturing the essence of her community through her artistry, at Carter’s Photographic Studio.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Lenora cherished her family above all else. With two sisters and seven brothers, she embraced the concept of family wholeheartedly, embodying the saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Her love knew no bounds, extending to her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and even great-great-great grandchildren.

In her retirement years, Lenora found joy in creating hats from recycled sweaters, generously donating them to local churches and friends. Her altruism and zest for life continued unabated during her residence at Phillip Seaview Tower, where she resided independently until the remarkable age of 100. An avid Bingo enthusiast, Lenora frequented local games, cherishing the camaraderie and mental stimulation they provided.

In her final years, Lenora relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, where she continued to embrace life with her daughter, Madonna, and son-in-law, Garland Jackson. Despite the miles between her and her beloved Asbury Park, Lenora's spirit remained vibrant as she celebrated each birthday surrounded by cherished memories and loved ones.

Lenora's legacy is one of love, laughter, and resilience. Her unwavering belief in leading a stress-free life, coupled with her fondness for chicken wings and occasional indulgence in a glass of wine, epitomized her philosophy of embracing joy in every moment.

Lenora was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Joseph A.Carter, Sr.; her parents, Edgar and Rosetta Niblack; her son, Joseph A. Carter Jr.; her daughter, Marshia Ozella Jefferson White; 2 sisters, Erma McKinnley Thompson, and Doris Winn; 7 brothers, William McKinnley, Eric, David, Oscar, Henry, George, and Donald Niblack. She is also predeceased by her granddaughter, Denise A.Jefferson; her grandson, Douglas A. Jefferson and nieces, Lenora Niblack Moreland, and Mary Niblack Hamilton.

Lenora is survived by her son, Ernest Carter (Alice); her daughter, Madonna Carter Richardson Jackson (Garland), nephew David Niblack (Ernestine), her grandchildren, Deborah Morris (James), Gregory Niblack, Paula Renee Richardson-Reeves, Garland Joseph Jackson (Kyana), Gabriel Carter Sorrentino (Christina), Suzanne Y. Carter (Del), Darrin T. Young (Kirste), Joseph A. Carter III and; her great grandchildren, Tiffany Richardson-Eaton (Ben), Mercedes Reeves, Derek Jefferson (Taneka), lyeshia Jefferson, Jazmin Ruffin (Elijah), James Morris III (Nicole), Zoe Nuccio (Richard), Sofia Sorrentino, Vito Sorrentino (Jake), Gabriel D. Sorrentino, Mekhi, Sydney S., Dillan, and Collin Young; her great great grandchildren, Sidney Renee Richardson, Nevaeh Moore Jefferson, Yassin Moore, Zier, Sage and Salem Hicks, Lucas and Gino Nuccio.

As Lenora walks through the gates of heaven, she is reunited with her beloved husband, family members, and friends who preceded her in death. While her physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and joy will continue to inspire all who were touched by her remarkable life.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, March 22,2024 from 12pm-1pm at Ely Funeral Home, Neptune, NJ.

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