Ora D. Carter

Spiritual Encourager

Sunrise May 2, 1942 - Sunset May 27, 2026

Ora D. Johnson (Carter) was born on May 2, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama, to William and Lovie Johnson. She was the third of their children. In 1961, she moved to Dayton, Ohio where she made her home and lived until her transition to her heavenly home on May 27, 2026.

Ora was baptized and worshiped at New Home Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. After relocating to Dayton, she joined Mount Olive Baptist Church and later became a member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. She remained a faithful and devoted member of Trinity for more than 60 years, serving under the leadership of Pastor L. M. Hall. Following Pastor Hall’s passing, she continued her faithful service under the leadership of Pastor Rodrick Jones.

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church dissolved. When Reverend Rodrick Jones accepted the call to pastor Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Ora continued under his spiritual leadership and became a devoted member there as well.

Throughout her life, Ora remained steadfast in her faith, unwavering in her commitment to the Lord, and deeply devoted to her family. As her health declined and she neared her earthly transition, Pastor Rodrick Jones and his loving wife stood alongside her family, offering comfort, prayer, and spiritual support.

On her final day, her sister, Mary Cotton, recognizing that she was nearing her final hours, reached out to family members and loved ones, giving them the opportunity to gather by her side and surround her with love. With those family and friends present and her heart at peace, Ora quietly and peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home. She departed this life cradled in the loving arms of her daughter, Mary Manuel Wilson, and her grandson, James E. Wilson Jr., and surrounded by the love and presence of those who cherished her.

Ora Carter faithfully served her church and community in numerous capacities throughout the years. She served as Superintendent of Sunday School, taught Adult Sunday School classes, and chaired the Senior Usher Board. She was also actively involved in the Bus Ministry, assisted Sunday School Class, and served on numerous committees. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to Christian service left a lasting impact on her church family and all who had the privilege of serving alongside her.

Mrs. Carter's commitment to Christian service extended far beyond her local church. She faithfully served at every level of missionary work, from the district association to the state convention. Through the Ohio Baptist General Convention, she served as Supervisor of the Children's Bands and later as State Superintendent, where she was entrusted with organizing and strengthening missionary programs throughout the state.

In addition, Ora shared her knowledge and passion for ministry as an instructor at the Guild Retreat for many years. Her dedication to teaching, mentoring, and developing future generations of Christian leaders left a lasting impact on countless lives. Through her tireless service, she exemplified faith, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to advancing God's kingdom.

Ora served as a judge for numerous oratorical competitions and held leadership positions at both the local and state levels within the Ohio Baptist General Convention. In every capacity, she proudly represented her beloved home church, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church.

Her commitment to service extended beyond the church and into the broader community. She worked with after-school programs for disadvantaged children and was involved with preschool and educational initiatives designed to support young learners and families. She also participated in efforts to revitalize the Paul Laurence Dunbar neighborhood and was actively engaged in civic and charitable causes throughout Dayton, Ohio. Ora marched in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, supported Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraising efforts, participated in voter registration drives, and joined UNICEF marches and other community outreach activities, to include “Victory Family Life Center.”

Ora attended Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama. After relocating to Dayton, Ohio, she began her career as a cosmetologist. However, when health challenges prevented her from continuing in that profession, she sought God's guidance and, with the encouragement of her sister, returned to school. Demonstrating remarkable determination, she completed a four-year degree program in just three years and graduated from Central State University in 1976 with a degree in Education.

Education became her life's calling. Ora devoted more than 47 years to the field of education, touching the lives of countless students and families. She served the Dayton Public School system for more than 40 years and remained employed until her passing. She deeply cherished her colleagues, staff, and administrators at Rosa Parks Early Learning Center, whom she lovingly considered her extended family.

Sister Ora D. Carter was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lovi Johnson; her husband, Harry G. Carter Sr.; her brother, William Johnson Jr.; her aunt, Elizabeth McKeller; Uncle, Rev. John Jackson; daughter by Love and cousin, Brenda Graham; nephews, Anthony Johnson, Christopher Graham and John McKeller; nieces, Princess Smith and Kimberly Smith.

Ora leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy:

Daughters: Mary E. Manuel (Richard) and Dawn Johnson; Son, Harry G. Carter Jr. (Ellen); Sisters: Minnie Jacko, Mary Cotton, and Ann Ellahee; A dear Aunt, Dense Jackson; Mentor, Sister Pluma Thomas; Sister-in-law, Betty Banks, and Brother-in-law, Moses Carter; Sisters-in love, Gertrude Clancy, C’Ester Donaldson, Bobbie Winston, Sandra Ramey, Joan Cousins, Joyce Smith, and Bennie Williams.

Daughters by love: Kimberley Ramsey, Pamela Thomas (Robert), Robin Allen (Pastor Ashton), and Phyllis Thaggard McCain (Michael). Granddaughters by love: Keisha Wilson, Connie Smith, Angela Wortham, and Lindsey Leon. 

She also leaves a host of other beloved daughters and granddaughters in love across the state of Ohio.

Grandchildren: James E. Wilson Jr. (Gildah), William J. Wilson Sr., Christopher L. Manuel Sr., Nakisha Carter, Angelica Dantley (Aaron), Grace M. Carter, and Shatyra Patterson. Great-grandchildren: Immanuel Wilson, Amani Wilson, Kamden Wilson, Keyvon Wilson, William Wilson Jr., Gabrielle Wilson, Bryelle Wilson, Kayla Wilson, Jayla Wilson, Shamara Stark, Elijah Stark, Ashton Devoise, Christtney Manuel, Christopher Manuel Jr., Noah James Barbery, Faith Jackson, Malachi Carter-Daniel, Selah Eliana Dantley, and Chauza Patterson. Great-great-grandson: Armani Wilson.

Nieces: Mary Andrea Johnson, Verletta Gilchrist, Deana Brown, Dorothy Jones, Daphne Brown, Verletta Jackson, Theresa Baker, Brenda Jackson, Daria Graham (Bryan), Teila Johnson, LaKeisha Brown, Janet Black (Min. Raymond); Anne Mitchell; Linda Cox, Delores Cotton-Smith, Mary Tingle (Rev. Dr. Alfonso), Erin McClorrin (Pastor Kevin), Carla Jones (Pastor Bruce), and Mikel Shans.

Nephews: Larry Cotton, Elder James Brown, Elder Marcellis Brown, Rev. Dr. John R. Jackson, Alvin Graham, Fred Williams, Perry Jackson, Andrew Graham, Jeffrey Graham, Pastor Alvin Cotton (Brenda), Dan Cotton (Marylin), Don Cotton (Darlene), Leonard Cotton, Raymond Cotton, Reverend Clyde Jackson, Vincent Jackson, Fredrick McKeller, Alfonso Johnson, and Rodney Johnson

She also leaves a host of other beloved nieces, nephews, and godchildren across the state of Ohio.

Extended Family: The McFarland family of Chicago; Pastor Butler of Atlanta; Pastor Hamilton of Virginia; Harry Johns family of Wilberforce, Ohio, and the Ghanaian Family of West Africa.

Ora was also lovingly supported by her pastoral family and church communities, including the Gibson-Carter-Humphrey family, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church family, Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church family, and her Rosa Parks Early Learning Center family.

Ora D. Carter peacefully transitioned on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 8:27 p.m. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Greater Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, 4200 Germantown Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45417.

Family and friends may pay their respects during the viewing, which will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the church. 

The family gratefully appreciates your prayers, love, and support during this time of bereavement.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.