Lora Jacqueline "Jackie" (Sams) Carter

Celebration of Life

Lora Jacqueline (Jackie) Sams Carter

Lora Jacqueline (Jackie) Sams Carter, 82, a devoted mother, family member and friend transitioned Tuesday, December 24, 2019 in Houston, Texas.

Jackie was born January 31, 1937 in Kansas City, Kansas to Patricia Miller Sams Harris and Johnnie Sams. When Patricia married Freddie Harris, he was a devoted father to Jackie, Patty and Butch. Both parents, brother, John (Butch) Edward Sams; sister, Patricia (Patty) Sams Rogers Barnett Easterwood; and her stepfather, Freddie Harris preceded her in death. Jackie was the niece of Fred White of Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the first African American Wyandotte County’s Commissioner in Kansas City, KS. Her maternal grandparents were Samuel Miller and Girlie Cox Miller.

She attended the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools and graduated from Sumner High School in 1955 as a Sumner Spartan cheerleader.

In 1959, Jackie united in marriage to Stephen A. Carter and they had one son, Stephen (Tony) A. Carter, II. Although the marriage was later dissolved, Jackie and Steve remained friends until his death.  Later in life she found her companion and life partner, Lester C. Scoggins to celebrate happiness and life until his death on July 29, 2015.

Jackie was an entrepreneur. She attended Area Vocational Technical School in Kansas City, Kansas and received her cosmetologist license under the director, Mrs. Rosemary Daniels. She opened a beauty shop and wig salon. She opened and operated a restaurant, Mrs. Lee’s on 3rd street in Kansas City, KS., where she served home-styled meals. On January 16, 1974, she began her career at General Motors Assembly Division in Kansas City, KS and retired after 25 years of service on January 1, 1999.  After retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed being a part-time school bus aide for First Student Transportation.

JACQUELINE ENJOYED LIFE! She was a Christian and a believer in faith and prayer. Jackie attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City, KS. until she relocated to Houston, TX.  She served faithfully in their food pantry. She loved to travel, shop, and socialize with family and friends. Jackie was an avid sports fan. She enjoyed watching tennis, especially Venus and Serena Williams.

Jackie is survived by her devoted son, Stephen “Tony” A. Carter II (Valarie), Houston, TX; grandchildren, Stephen “Stevee” A. Carter III, Oklahoma City, OK; and Xavier Carter (Destiney) , Phoenix, AZ; great grandson, Xavier M. Carter II, Phoenix, AZ; great granddaughter, Kennedy Carter, Phoenix, AZ; niece, Lynn King, Kansas City, MO; great niece, Nicole King, Kansas City, KS; great nephew, Michael King, Overland Park, KS; and God granddaughter, Camille Brown, Kansas City, KS; a host of family members and friends that will miss her loving presence and spirit.

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