Donna Jean Carter, daughter of Willard Gline Akers and Brady Eugenia Robinson Akers, left this earth to be with Jesus on April 10, 2026.

She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas E. Carter, in February of 2025 and will be missed by Tom's brother Billy Carter, her brother Dale Akers, his wife Elfriede (Elfie), her sister Virginia (Ginger) Day, and husband Jerry, along with nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

Donna was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1937, spending the first ten years of her life enjoying the pleasures of city living.

This changed drastically when her parents moved her, her sister Joan, and brother Dale to an 80-acre farm in the hills of Buchanan, Tennessee.

Her Chicago reality with electric lights, running water, and indoor plumbing spiraled into a life more primitive than she could have imagined.

Her father transitioned from farming to working for the L&N Railroad. Thankfully, the railroad transferred him to Mobile, Alabama, where Donna's schooling continued.

During her early years, Donna discovered a love for the written word. Reading and writing became her passion.

After graduating from Vigor High School, Donna went to the University of Alabama, where she graduated with a Master's Degree in Education.

The day before graduation, Donna received her MRS and became the wife of Tom Carter. They began married life in Huntsville, Tom's hometown, where Donna began teaching English and Social Studies at Farley Junior High.

In the early 60s, Tom and Donna moved to Boston, where Tom received his doctorate in physics. While there, she, as well as Tom, spent several years in ministry to inner-city handicapped children.

Summer contract work took him and Donna from Connecticut to Oregon, California, and Florida. This expanded her world and gave her much from which she could draw as she penned her life experiences.

The family's needs back home required that Tom take early retirement. This brought them back to Huntsville.

During this time, Donna participated in a writers club, which further sharpened her skills. She loved studying the Bible and wrote numerous studies using the lives of Bible characters as well as various spiritual themes.

She and Tom were active members of Twickenham Church of Christ, where Tom, with Donna's support, taught classes and were known for their kindness and generosity.

Donna is fondly remembered for her soft- spoken words of encouragement and her love for helping those in need.

For those of us who, like Donna, have given our hearts to Jesus, it will be wonderful to one day be greeted by her and God's wonderful family in heaven to live forever praising our Savior.

The Lord blessed this world when He gave us Donna Jean Akers Carter.

Family will be receiving friends on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Berryhill Funeral Home from 10:00 to 11:00 am, followed immediately by a memorial service in the chapel at 11:00 am with Jody Vickery officiating. 

Donna had a heart for orphans, so in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Orphan’s Promise. Their website is oblegacy.org