Mrs. Mary Lou Wren Carter, 77, of Port Gibson passed away Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, at Claiborne County Medical Center.

Mrs. Carter was born Oct. 29, 1938, to the late Richard Walter and Mary Clegg Wren. She was married to the late Donald L. Carter for 57 years and spent most of her life in Port Gibson. They raised two sons, Randall Hurd Carter of Irvington, Ala., and Richard Wayne Carter of Meadville.

A member of Port Gibson United Methodist Church, she served many years as secretary and treasurer.

Mrs. Carter owned and operated The Garden and Pet Store in Port Gibson for many years, and was well know for raising and grooming poodles. In addition to her business, she was also employed with local businesses, including construction of Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.

Stricken with a significant brain impairment in mid-life, Mrs. Carter overcame many challenges, learning to walk and talk again with the help of her sister, the late Gail Brasfield. Although affected for the remainder of her life, she moved forward and lived life to the fullest.

She was an accomplished seamstress, winning many awards for her handmade quilts. Her quilting talents were so accomplished that her quilts were featured at the Mississippi Museum of Arts on two occasions, and featured on a Mississippi Tourism Brochure, receiving recognition from Gov. Ronnie Musgrove.

Mrs. Carter was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Carter; her parents Richard Walter and Mary Clegg Wren; and her sister Gail Brasfield.

Mrs. Carter is survived by hers sons Randall Carter and wife Beth of Irvington, Ala., and Wayne Carter and wife Terry of Meadville; grandsons Brad Carter, Justin Carter and wife Jessica of Theodore, Ala., and Stuart Carter of Meadville; granddaughter Kaycee Carter of Meadville; great-granddaughters Kyla and Baylyn Carter both of Theodore, Ala.; and brothers Leon and Buddy Wren.

The family wishes to include devoted and beloved family friends Gwen Boren and Elbert and Mary McDaniel as survivors in respectful recognition for their many years of close association with the Carter family.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at Glenwood Funeral Home in Port Gibson. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Wintergreen Cemetery in Port Gibson.