Mary Lou (Justus) Carter, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, Friday, May 8, 2026, at the home of her daughter, Mary (Dennis) McAllister in Hornell, following a period of declining health.
She was born December 16, 1932, in Westerville, Ohio, the daughter of Adin and Justine (Freshwater) Justus.
Mary Lou married the love of her life, Abram V. Carter, on November 24, 1952, in Belle Center, Ohio. They were married 60 years prior to his passing. The couple and their children left their home in Ohio to attend Elohim Bible Mission in Castile, NY, where Mary Lou and Abram earned a Bible theology degree on June 17, 1969.
In addition to her husband, parents and siblings, Mary Lou was predeceased by her daughters Cheryl Brown and Nancy Kostarellis, and her son, Abram D. Carter.
Surviving is her daughters Vicky L. Brady of Canisteo, Deborah (James) MacWhorter of Dansville and Mary (Dennis) McAllister of Hornell. She was also blessed with eight beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always most happy with a baby in her arms.
Family and friends are invited to a funeral service Tuesday May 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the H.P. Smith and Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 E. Main St., Canisteo, followed by her internment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Canisteo.
Friends are invited to join the family for food and conversation immediately following the funeral and interment at the Hornell VFW, 245 Canisteo Street, Hornell, NY, at 12:00 p.m. in remembrance of Mary Lou.
Those who wish to remember Mary Lou in a special way can donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in her memory.
A full and complete obituary can be read online along with shared condolences and memories at hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com
