Mr. Willie Gene Carter was born in Louisville, Mississippi on August 16, 1934 to the late Mr. Audie ("Shorty") Carter and Miss Georgia Mae (Harmon-Carter) Cooper. On July 1, 2026, at 2:53am, he peacefully entered eternal rest, and now rests with the Lord. Gene met and married Annie Lois Crosby as a young adult; she preceded him in glory after a long relationship. Willie Gene accepted Jesus Chris as his personal savior at an early age and joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Louisville, MS. Upon moving to Ashtabula, OH, he joined People's Baptist Church under Pastor Sam Wells, Jr., and remained a loyal and faithful member until his death. Singing to the Lord was his God-given talent; he was involved with various choirs and ministries. His passion, however, was singing with the male chorus. Three mothers of the church, Mother Willietta, Mother Loisteen, and Mother Joe Ann, were his triangular supporters during his spiritual life. For many years, while feeding his singing career, Gene was also a loyal and committed employee at Child's Cadillac Dealerships. There, many admired and cherished his gentle spirit, warm heart, and steadfast character. He was preceded in death by his brother and frequent singing partner, Prentiss D. Carter. Willie Gene leaves behind a daughter, Gina Carter and a son, Jason Carter, whose mother, Joann Carter, preceded him in death. Gina and Jason both reside in Cleveland, OH with their children. Willie Gene was also a loving father to Lorene Carr of Chicago, the late Lillie Kate Brawner of Chicago, and the late Edward Charles Moore of Ashtabula, OH. He also leaves to cherish a loving sister, Linda C. Goss (Norman) and her children, Gerald, Brenda, Robert, and the late Cherlynn. Special niece, Breonna, and a host of other

nephews, nieces, relatives, church family, and dear friends also celebrate his memory and his impact in their lives. Praising God for who He Is: We offer our most heartfelt gratitude to God for placing grandson, JaVon Carr of Ashtabula, OH in the position to be a supportive caregiver to Gene for the last years of his life. We also offer special mentions to cousin, Leonard T. Harmon (Paul) for his unwavering support, and to loyal neighbors James and Mary Mansfield for always remaining close by and available during Gene's last years. "Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.—Psalms 100:4 (NLTWe the family, wish to express our heartfelt and sincere gratitude for the countless calls, texts, prayers, and acts of kindness shown to us during this difficult time. Every gesture of love and support has comforted our hearts in ways that words could never express. We also extend a very special "Thank You" to the Peoples Missionary Baptist Church family. Additionally, we are grateful for the care and dedication from the staff of ARMC (Ashtabula Regional Medical Center) and the Saybrook Landing Skilled Nursing Facility. Your kindness during this season will never be forgotten. Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Funeral service will be on Friday July 10, 2026 at 11:30 in Peoples Missionary Baptist Church 3837 West Ave. Ashtabula. Visitation will be from 10 to time of service at the church.