Bobby J (Jackson) Carter

Please see attached obituary...

Bobby Jean Carter was born on April 27, 1949 in Greenville, Mississippi to the late Walter and Pearl Rene Jackson, though she was raised by the late Bennie and Mary Lee Neal. She was the second of four children. Her kind soul departed on January 20, 2025 having lived a full and meaningful life. Bobby received Christ when she was 15 years old at St. Peter M.B. Church in Priscilla, Mississippi under the leadership of Reverend E. D. Simpson. In 1973, she joined Timothy Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL then St. John Lutheran Church in Country Club Hills, IL in 1978 and after moving to Hayti, Missouri, she joined Cedar Street Baptist Church in 1993. Bobby attended O’Bannon K-12 School in Greenville, Mississippi where she graduated in 1967. The night of her graduation she departed Mississippi and moved to Chicago, IL to marry David Nelums. To this union her only child was born. She was exceedingly active in her daughter’s young years working with Girl Scouts and various athletic teams where her daughter was involved. Bobby was an avid bowler and golfer. She passed on her love of these sports to her daughter who often accompanied her to tournaments. In her heyday, she bowled five days a week in various leagues. Often, she traveled throughout the country bowling in tournaments. She competed at Reno, Nevada’s National Bowling Stadium with her daughter. This shared memory was made better as there is no other facility in the world like it. She was always looking for opportunities to expose her daughter to experiences in dining, culture, and travel that would expand Davida’s cultural awareness. 

Bobby was a huge fan of basketball and even coached her daughter’s first organized basketball team. Her television rarely left NBA TV, ESPN, TNT, or TBS when they were broadcasting NBA games. Her favorite team was the Golden State Warriors, though she also enjoyed the Memphis Grizzlies of late. Bobby worked in the field of Pharmacy for roughly 25 years. Her customers loved her, often bringing her gifts much to the amazement of the owner. Bobby ensured all of her clients had the appropriate knowledge to administer the medication correctly to their children. Their safety was always her primary concern. The care and concern she took to explain the details was greatly appreciated. This behavior carried over to her work in funeral service. Many have expressed how she helped them by taking the time to explain funeral details. Her dedication to the families she served was noteworthy. Later in life, Bobby married James Carter and moved to Hayti, Missouri. She initially continued to work in Pharmacy at Pemiscot Memorial Hospital. However, it wasn’t long before she became a licensed Funeral Director and started working in Funeral Service. After moving to Hayti, she became active in the community and served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club, Rotary Club, and became a substitute teacher in the Hayti Public School System. While she was exposed to and had familiarity with the Masonic Order as a child, it wasn't until she moved to Hayti that she became a member of the Order of Eastern Star and Heroines of Jericho. She was initiated on August 21, 1999 and April 30, 2001 respectively.

Bobby was not one for nonsense or suffering those who gave less than their best. She always gave her best to those whom she served and expected others to do the same. She might tell you off, but because she had a big heart, she would then go about helping you. Her innate desire to help others is what drew her to the Masonic Order where she rose to the highest rank in Heroines of Jericho, serving as the Most Ancient Grand Matron for the state of Missouri. She made history by being the first person to ever serve more than two years as the head of house for the state of Missouri. Bobby will be sorely missed by all who knew her.