Owida J. McCarter

Owida Joyce McCarter (Mama or Mother Joyce to many) was born August 15, 1948 to Pastor John and Willie Mae Williams (Martin) in Sikeston, Missouri.

Over the years, Owida studied and worked as a Certified Nurses Aide, a Community Social Worker at the Salvation Army, a Community Service Aide at the Housing Authority of Joliet, a Phlebotomist, and an LPN, earning many certificates and awards along the way. 

She worked at the Joliet Army Ammunitions Plant, as a CNA at Sunny Hill Nursing home, and 17 years at the Salvation Army.  After she retired, she worked with her son Harold, landscaping, fixing cars, and repairing homes.  Her job was to watch.  When you saw Harold, you saw Mama Joyce.

She dedicated her last eight years to serving at God’s Way International Ministry Fellowship, surrendering her life to Jesus Christ in tears. 

After a long struggle with illness, she slept peacefully away at home on November 16, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Phelisha Givens, and her sons, Joe Willie Givens, and Vandy Bill McCarter III.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Bishop Dr. H.E. Givens (Karon) of Lockport, IL, former husband and friend, Vandy B. McCarter Jr. (Dad) of Joliet, IL, their adopted children, Manager Victor McCarter (Joliet, IL.), Minister Owida (Snuggles) McCarter (Morris, IL.), Chenae McCarter (Morris, IL.), 20 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and countless relatives, and friends.

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