Dr. Anita Vernel Carter Allen

Allen ~ Dr. Anita Vernel Carter Allen was born July 3, 1941 in Ft. Pierce, Florida to the late Sam and Mattie Mae Harrell Carter.  At the age of twelve, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and began what would become a lifelong journey filled with love and service.

After graduating from Stuart Training School, Dr. Carter Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Jacksonville University. Dr. Carter Allen would go on to earn a Doctorate in Christian Psychology from Truth Bible College & Seminary.

In 1966, she met Willie Thomas Allen.  They were married, and to this union, their daughter, Wilnita Tonique Allen was born.

 A beloved teacher, she retired from Duval County Public Schools in 1998 with twenty-one years of service, having impacted the lives of children at Garden City, S.P. Livingston, Gregory Drive, Forest Park, and Sallye B. Mathis Elementary Schools.

She was passionate about God and her faith, education, and believed in the value of empowering others – having served as Owner & Director of the W.T. Allen Christian Childcare Center and Founder of the Christian Girls Club Ministry, Inc. Dr. Carter Allen loved to sing and began at Ebenezer United Methodist Church where the music ministry was her passion.  She sang with the chancel choir, mass choir, trio, and was part of a performance group that traveled across the city, under the leadership of Mrs. Eleanor Hurley.  She also enjoyed teaching Vacation Bible School.

At New Life United Methodist Church, Dr. Carter Allen sang with the praise team, and served through the Out of Egypt after-school program.  Later, at King of Kings Christian Church, she worked diligently to organize elders in providing guidance, nurturing and mentoring for their grandchildren and youth.  From this, she created the Gramma A Teaches Love Ministry, designed to use love, skills and the wisdom gained through life experiences, as a powerful tool for shaping the lives and hearts of girls. This great love transcended to her own beautiful grand-daughters, Camille and Gabrielle, whom she cherished and adored.

She was a founding member of The Charmettes, Inc., a member of the Garden Club of Jacksonville, a Life Member of the FAMU Alumni Association and a Silver Member of the NAACP.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Willie Thomas Allen; siblings, Samuel Carter and Juanita Carter Maturi; brothers-in-law, Ricky Cummings and Herman Meade; nieces, Lashawn Williams and Andre Carter; and grand-nephew, Rayshawn Williams.

Left to honor her memory are her loving daughter, Wilnita Allen Meadows and son-in-law, Kenyon Meadows, MD; grand-daughters, Camille Kay Meadows and Gabrielle Alexis Meadows; siblings, Annie Pearl Meade, Kenneth Carter (Pam), Connie Carter Cummings, Kenneth Carter (Pam); nephews and nieces, Edgar Carter (Yolanda), Lawrence Carter, Monique Carter, Gelencia Carter, Samantha Carter, Lamont Carter (Tanya), David Meade, Wendy Meade, Kenneth Carter, Jr., LaTonya Wilcher, Vernon Williams, Carl Prince, Jr., Rashard Cummings, Staricka Cummings; bonus sons, Steve Grant (Vivian) and Stanley Holzendorf; extended family, friends, and loved ones. 

Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Anita Vernel Carter Allen will be 10:00 AM Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 East Coastline Drive.  Family will receive friends Friday from 5 – 7 PM and Saturday one hour before the service.  Interment at Restlawn Memorial Park.  Because of the love of her family arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400

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