Ann Frances Carter

Ann Frances Carter, of Midland, Texas, slipped into the eternal embrace of the infinite on July 13th 2023. Born Ann Frances Kyriazis, she was later given the surname of her step father, William Gordon. Ann was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on November 27th 1947, and she graduated from Lynn English High School in 1965. After High School, she took a formative trip to Europe with her lifelong friend, Elaine Beatrice. Upon returning to the States, Ann and Elaine moved all the way across the country to live in San Francisco where they continued to cultivate and explore their spirit for adventure together. In San Francisco, Ann met her future husband, Kenneth Ray Carter, moved with him to southern California, and built a family, giving birth to two children.

Over the next seven years, the Carter Family made two major moves first to Mesa, Arizona in 1976 and then to Midland, Texas in 1982 where they put down permanent roots. Ann applied for a job at Midland Memorial Hospital where she spent the next 29 years as the Medical Staff Coordinator. The daunting position required long hours and intense commitment. At the hospital she served and sacrificed; laughed and cried; struggled, achieved, and grew. So many people whom she loved and who loved her came in and out of her life through her work at the hospital. She cherished the people and the institution immensely.

As a “Momma” and as a “Nanna,” Ann always found the time to support her children’s and grandchildren’s scholastic and extracurricular activities. She enjoyed and took pride in the lifelong accomplishments of her family whether they be academic, athletic, creative, or professional. Ann’s family was the centerpiece of her life. She committed wholeheartedly to their fulfillment—at times at the sacrifice of her own wants and needs. Ann put heart and soul into her family, and they got her very best at all times.

Ann’s absence is felt by all who made her acquaintance, especially her family and closest friends. Ann loved to have a good time and made those in her presence feel welcome, at ease, heard, and seen. Ann knew how to treat people, and always had the best of intentions. In the test that is life, Ann exceeded expectations up to the very end. As the matriarch of her family, she was brave, strong, and an inspiration to all of those who carry her memory forward.

Ann’s life was cut short due to a tragic illness. She spent her last 6 months, first digesting an uncertain prognosis; then moving forward spending what time she could with family and friends—eating, laughing, and sharing. Learning that the family would be welcoming two new additions in October and November, Ann held out hope and was determined to lay eyes on her new great grandchildren. Sadly, that would not be the case. She passed gracefully, peacefully, and comfortably into the timeless and boundless while being cared for at home by her children Brandi and Jason.

Ann is preceded in death by her grandson Bryce and is survived by her other grandchildren Alecta, Blake, Renee, and Lyn; her great grandchildren Mari, Miles, and Josie; her daughter Brandi; her son-in-law Jeremy; and her son Jason. May she rest in peace.

Ann was a charitable lover of animals and people. She would have loved the idea of anybody desiring to send flowers or other tokens of condolence to instead donate in her name to either Paws in Need Animal Rescue; Peeps and Creeps; or Toys for Tots.

Finally, a special thank you to Hospice of Midland/Odessa specifically Janell, Kayla, Regina, Bethany, and Joe. Without them, certain technical aspects would have been overlooked; specific supplies, medications, and equipment would have been unavailable; and the overall expertise delivered gently and humanely would have been sorely missed. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and Mom’s.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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