Juanita Carter

Juanita Ailene Lessard Carter (85), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away on June 3, 2025, at her home surrounded by family and holding her husband's hand.

Juanita was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas on December 22, 1939, to Anson 'Louis' Lessard and Ruby Fraser Lessard. Her family moved to Springville, Utah in August of 1943. In the spring of 1944, her family moved into their home in Mapleton. With her love of reading and the help of her mother and sister, she skipped second grade and graduated early at 17 from Springville High School in 1957.

Juanita met her husband, Gary Carter, in the summer of 1955 and they later married on April 17, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Salt Lake City in 1959, after Gary had finished his six months active duty in the Army. In 1963, they moved into their home in Granger with their two boys. They continued to live in their house and welcomed two more sons and a daughter.

After high school, Juanita worked as a secretary for various companies until 1973 when she began working in accounting at Granite School District. In 1979, she was promoted to work full time as a secretary for Calvin Smith Elementary. She remained working there until she retired in 2000. She continued to work for the district for six years as a substitute secretary.

Juanita was talented in everything she did. Sewing, crocheting, cake decorating, writing poetry, and creating amazing quilts just to name a few. Saying she was an amazing seamstress would be an understatement. She spent countless hours sewing and crocheting items to donate to Primary Children's Hospital, various charities, and friends over the years. She especially enjoyed giving service anonymously.

Juanita was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she had a strong testimony of the gospel. She held numerous callings including young women's teacher, den mother, and was Relief Society President twice. Juanita and Gary served an 18-month mission in Vancouver, Canada from 2001-2002 and were temple workers for two callings at the Jordan River Temple.

Juanita was loved by everyone who got to know her. She was friendly, industrious, patient, decisive, dedicated, friendly, kind, smart, and funny. She had unconditional love for her family and others in her life. During her courageous battle with cancer, she never lost her dignity, wit, or sense of humor.

Juanita is survived by her husband Gary, her sons Greg (Carol), Todd (Cindy), Scott (Laura), Steve (Jill), her daughter Amy Nelson (Wayne Healey), 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, a son-in-law, a grandchild, and many other beloved family members.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3120 West 4700 South, Taylorsville, Utah. Viewings will be held at the same location, the night prior, Monday, June 9, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm, and Tuesday, June 10, 2025, prior to the funeral, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Interment will take place at the Valley View Memorial Park located in West Valley City, Utah.