Obituary of Abram V. Carter

CANISTEO: Rev. Abram V. Carter of North Street, Canisteo, went to see the Lord on Wednesday, April 10, surrounded by his family and sweetheart of over 60 years, Mary Lou (Justus). He was born to the late Everett and Hattie (Miller) Carter on June 9, 1927 in Waynesfield, Ohio. He is survived by his brother Merle Carter (Helene) and his sister Lucy Claybaugh (Rex) of Ohio. Abram graduated from Waynesfield High School, served in the U. S. Army during WWII, and was honorably discharged in 1947. He then went on to graduate from a two-year technical school in Chicago. On November 24, 1952 Abram married a fiery redhead who was the love of his life for over 60 years. They had six children: Vickie Brady of Canisteo, Deborah MacWhorter (James) of Dansville, Cheryl Carter of Dansville, Mary McAllister (Dennis) of Hornell, Nancy Kostarellis of Dansville and Abram D. Carter of Canisteo; nine grandchildren: Steven Brady, Jr., Sandra (Dieter) Whitman, Frank Dieter, Jr., Sheri Brown, Beth (MacMichael) Cornell (Jason), Christine MacMichael, Sarah McAllister , Melissa Backer and Nicholas Kostarellis ; and three great grandchildren: Cameron and Ryder Whitman and Timothy Backer. Abram moved his family from Ohio to Castile New York where he and his wife Mary Lou, attended and graduated from Elohim Bible Institute on June 17, 1969 with a Bible Theology Degree. Abram served as Pastor of the Adrian Baptist Church with his wife beside him for many years, while working full-time. While in Ohio, Abram worked for Cyrus Eaton as a maintenance and mechanic supervisor at Acadia Farm in Northfield, and as a supervisor and mechanic at Nordonia High School. He worked for many years maintaining and rebuilding the equipment at Argentieri Brothers, Inc. in Wellsville, NY as their Director of Maintenance. Abram will always be remembered for his abiding faith and love for his family. He loved to play euchre and was rowdy when it came to playing with his children and grandchildren. He had a distinctive and audible laugh that was infectious. He took time for anyone who needed help and offered them encouragement. Although the family will grieve and celebrate the life of Abram in private, your thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated.