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.
Send flowers to the service of Michelle Carter
Annette Moffett sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Michelle Carter - April 09, 2025
Jeffrey L Barr sent Golden Days Basket for Michelle Carter - April 07, 2025
My Condolences and prayers with the Carter family, Continue to keep you in prayer.❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽
My Condolences to the family
May God comfort you all during this difficult time. May prayers are with you all.
God loves angels, so he came and got one. She was a sweet and Lovely person. We are going to miss you, cousin, and God be the glory. Amen.
To this Beloved Family. I pray GOD'S peace and strength and peace for you now.
My deepest condolences to the Michelle Carter family: I am sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. I am thinking of your family and praying for comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time. God Bless! Minister Elaine Jackson
My deepest condolences and prayers for The Carter Family, especially her kids and grandkids on the loss of wonderful woman, Chell will definitely be missed my many ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
My sincere condolences to the Carter family and friends of Michelle. Remembering her sweet spirit and infectious smile. RlP, Shell!🙏🏾❤
To Gabby, D'Juan and The entire Family of Michelle(Shell),
Sending Prayers of Strength and My Heartfelt Condolences to you All. Asking GOD to be whatever you need in your hour of bereavement for the days and months ahead.
Shell was the true meaning of Love Unconditional; she never met a stranger and was Always willing to Help anyone she came in contact with.
Thank you Shell for Always treating mine as yours; it was an honor to share them with their forever "Gma Shell"‼️ I will make sure to keep that extra eye on Gabby and the girls for you. Take your rest, Job Well Done thy GOOD & FAITHFUL Servant for you will be truly missed by so many‼️
We will continue our laughs on the other side when we meet again, RIH 👼🕊️
Nessa
My deepest condolences to the family.
Being new members at New Central Missionary Baptist, my husband and I did not have the pleasure to know Michelle on a personal stance, however the smiles and the greeting in which she greeted us made us feel as if we've known her forever. Always a gentle hand squeezed, a welcoming good morning and a lovely smile made me feel right at home, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Deepest sympathies The Richardson Family
My condolences and prayers goes out to Shell family she was always smiling and had a sweet soul rest on my friend
My heat felt condolences 💐 goes out to all family and friends. We lost a great servant of God. My love to you all and our CHS class of 1984.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. Cast ALL your cares on Him, because He cares for you.
A fantastic young lady .She always, always, always had a smile and made you feel at home when you were in in her company. Phenix City has lost a great young lady!!!! My sympathy to the Carter family.
We sincerely express our condolences to the Carter family and friends. May you find comfort in Rev.21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away".
Ken & Trisha Barrett Charlotte NC
Praying for the Carter family I Love You ❤️
My Shell, I am at a loss for words. I love and I miss you. Thank you for being there when I needed you.
To the Carter family, please accept my sincerest condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you'll strength and comfort in the days ahead.
I'm so sorry for the passing of Shell! Shell had a heart of gold she will be truly missed! Sending prayers and condolences to the elderly family and friends
My condolences to the family. Mechelle was a sweet person and will be truly missed.
Sending my condolences to my dear friend Djuan and his family during this difficult time. Ms.Mechelle was such a sweet spirit and will truly be missed!
My condolences!
My Sincere Condolences to the Carter Family, may God comfort you in this difficult time 🙏🏽💐🙏🏽
My condolences and sincere prayers go out to the entire Carter family. I pray that God will grant all of you the strength that is needed during this most difficult time.
The Woods & Thorne Family
My prayers and condolences 🙏 goes out to the family
Chelle was definitely one of a kind. She was so warm and compassionate. Her beautiful spirit, laughter and smile will surely be missed by so many of us. The battle has been fought and the victory has been won. The Heavens lit up in grandeur as a child of God came home. I'll love you and miss you forever my dear cousin.
My heart is so sad to see this. Mechelle was a very special part of our family growing up. Lil and Sam Bellone thought and treated her like their daughter growing up. She sure loved all of us and the feeling was mutual. Praying for all of her family and friends!!!
My condolences 🙏 to the family! Mechelle always was a kind hearted, sweet person ❤️ Whenever I saw her. She will definitely be missed by all who loved her. Sleep on Mechelle in the arms of JESUS. 🙏
Mechelle was a sweet spirited person. Always greeted you hugs. She will be missed. My condolences to the family. 💖💖
My deepest condolences to Mechelle family. She will truly be missed. I had the privilege of working with her at CB&T/Synovus. She always had that big old smile that was simply amazing. When talking with her she would always have you smiling by the end of the conversation. Rest in peace Mechelle!
My deepest condolences to the Carter family .Michelle u r truly gonna be missed. Class of 84 love u and will missed u . Ur smile and ur laughter always brighten up a room . Rest in peace classmate.
RIP Chelle. I'll never forget you, that smile, or you asking me how my mother was doing. To the Carter family, I am so sorry for your loss.
My condolences are with the Carter family during this difficult time. Malone family
My condolences to the Carter family for your loss.
With deepest condolences, and prayers for the family, Linda Smith and Milton Family
REST IN HEAVEN MY DEAR FRIEND MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS, GOD BLESS YOU ALL, GOD GAINED ANOTHER ANGEL, LOVE YOU SHELL SEE YOU AGAIN SOME SWEET DAY
My deepest condolences goes out to the entire Carter family, Shell will truly be missed by us all. May God strengthen you family in time of grief 🙏🙏🙏 rest in peace beautiful angel.
Sending my condolences to the Carter Family may God give you strength
My heartfelt condolences to the Carter family Michelle Carter Class Of 84 you are going to be truly missed that smile that laugh that sweet sprit Rest In Paradise my classmate Schendora Thomas
Look to the hills, from which cometh al our help knowing that all our help comes from the Lord. Mechelle will be greatly missed she had a smile that would light up a room. Fly away angel until we meet again. Vera Woods and Family.
Sending To The Family 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Shell Was A Sweet Person
Michelle Carter would make me laugh every time I seen her. She was always smiling, a humble spirit and down to earth. We did not conversate everyday but we were friends from Junior high and high school. " I Love you, Michelle Carter."
Condolences to Michelle's children and family. Praying for strength and comfort.🙏🏾🙏🏾
To live is Christ,to die is gain.Michelle really love her church and the Lord.We know she is in a better place🙏🙏
Stand still Jordan let a child of God go home. Michelle your battle has been fought, and now Your Victory has been won. Rest from all of your labor. ❤️ you classmate Rosalyn Jones
Sending prayers to the Carter family. Sorry for your loss. Michelle was a kind soul and hard worker. I pray that the Spirit of God gives you all the strength, comfort and peace you need to get through these times. God bless. 🙏🏼
Now you are resting in the hands of GOD! No more pain, stress or sorry. Rejoicing your home going. Sending condolences to the family.
Mrs. Michelle has been my neighbor the last 15 years. I'm sure going to miss her. She was one of the sweetest lady's u would ever meet. She looked out for me and my son. Rest in peace sweet lady.
Prayers For The Family From Linda Porch and Family
My sincere condolences to the Carter family. May God continue to strengthen each of you during this difficult time. Michelle always had a beautiful smile and so friendly. I met Michelle years ago when we worked at CB&T. Rest in Heaven!
My friend,collect your wings. I will miss you. Ada Bynam
My heart felt condolences to the Carter Family, Michelle will truly be missed.
God has smiled on me, God has set me free. I will always remember Michelle's smile. My heart is heavy for the family and my friend and classmate Vickey.
My condolences 🙏 to the family. Even though I did not speak to Michelle as often as I should have I always kept her on my mind. Michelle you will be surely missed.
My condolences to the family! This is a personal loss for me and my kids. Thank you for always loving and accepting Chloe, Chylan, and myself as your own. We will always remember and love you. You slipped away on us so unexpectedly and I'm so hurt. I am praying for Gabriel and Djuan! I love you both and I'm here for you ❤️
So sorry for your loss, Praying for the family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.