Michelle “Shell” Carter, 58, of Phenix City, AL passed on Monday, March 31, 2025 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. EST on Friday, April 11, 2025 at New Central Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jeffrey Dancy, pastor, officiating. Burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Public viewing will be 1 - 5 p.m. EST, Thursday, April 10, 2025.

Life began for Michelle “Shell” Carter, Saturday July 23, 1966 in Columbus, Ga. She was born to the late Melvin Carter, Sr., her father and the late Darnell Carter, her mother.

Michelle, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, departed this world at the age of 58. She became the “Pillar” of her family after the death of her parents. She lived a life devoted to faith, family, and community, touching the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her kindness knew no bounds, her laughter was a source of light, and her words brought comfort to many. She was a beacon of warmth and wisdom, always ready with a listening ear or a heartfelt prayer.

A true testament to love and compassion, Michelle gave selflessly to those around her—whether through her work, her friendships, or the quiet, daily acts of kindness that defined her soul. She believed in lifting others up, sharing her faith with grace, and bringing peace and laughter wherever she walked or drove for that matter.

Every chapter in her life brought new meaning and purpose. From an early age, Michelle found joy in serving others, she began working in a laundry mat at the age of 12. Attending the Baptist Center as a child, she learned the unwavering love of God for his people. She attended Phenix City schools and graduated from Central High School in 1984 where she was a member of the FBLA Club; Future Business Leaders of America, girls basketball team, and won the superlative most wittiest her senior year. She also attended Troy University.

She was a faithful and devoted member of New Central Missionary Baptist Church. She was baptized as a teenager under the leadership of Rev. Curtis Walker. During her tenure she served as Sunday worship service announcer, a Sunday school teacher, and a Missionary member. She held positions of president and secretary. Michelle’s dedication to her faith never wavered.

She was employed with CB&T Bank now known as Synovus Bank for many years as an Operations Manager. Later, she managed the family owned business, Back Porch Barbeque. A community activist and prayer warrior she was.

She was a devoted and loving mother to her two precious children, Gabriel and D’Juan. From their first breaths to their every achievement, her heart swelled with pride and devotion. Gabrielle and D’Juan were her greatest blessings, her most treasured gifts from God. She embraced motherhood with unwavering dedication, pouring her whole heart into nurturing, guiding, and encouraging her children to do and be their very best.

After the death of her mother she became the primary caregiver for her disable brother, Greg. While juggling the complexities of life, she was most proud of her three adorable granddaughters. They brought her so much joy. They gave her a beacon of hope and inspiration daily. She loved them unconditionally as they did her. They called her “Ma” “or “Dranny”.

A leader by nature; In 2017, she fully supported her sister Vickey as she ran for a political office seat in Phenix City. She served as her campaign manager, spiritual advisor and so much more. While her physical health was a challenge her mental health was keen and quick witted. Through Grace and Mercy it was Michelle that gave Vickey guidance on securing the seat.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. Though preceded in death by her parents, Michelle's legacy lives on through one daughter, Gabriel D. Porch; one son, Vincente’ D. Simmons; three granddaughters, Kayden M. Daniels, Angel K. Eubanks, and Delani T. Porch; four brothers, Melvin (Patricia) Carter, Jr. Danny Carter (Lisa) of Atlanta, Georgia, Fredrick (Kathy) Carter and Gregory Carter of Phenix City, AL; three sisters, Vickey (Robert) F. Green, Shelia Carter, Valerie Carter of Phenix City, AL; one sister/friend Corlette (Jason) Bailey-Reed; one aunt, Ada Brown, Chicago IL; four uncles, Richard Carter, Freddie Carter of Columbus, GA., Davied Carter of Seattle Washington, Willard Brooks of New Iberia, LA.; a host of nephews, nieces, close cousins, other relatives, close cousin/stylist Tanisha Lawrence, and countless friends who were touch by her wisdom, kindness, and her larger-than-life presence.