Jesse L. Carter Sr. 1929-2026

He was born on Dec. 13, 1929, to the late Armstead J. Carter and Hattie Emma Jones Carter.

Jesse was educated in the Youngstown City Schools and graduated from The Rayen School in January 1948.

He began his working career at Republic Steel Corporation, where his strong work ethic and dedication were evident early on.

In 1951, Jesse married his beloved wife, Corey Mae Mosley, and together they shared 61 years of marriage and raised two sons, Jesse Lee Carter Jr. and Phillip Carter. Family was always at the center of Jesse’s life, and he was deeply devoted to those he loved.

In 1960, Jesse made history as the first black firefighter hired by the city of Youngstown. He served proudly in various roles with the Youngstown Fire Department and remained devoted, even after retirement. His love for the department and the men and women who served alongside him never faded, and he took great pride in helping protect the city he called home.

Jesse honorably served his country during the Korean conflict and was a man of strong leadership and service.

He was active for many years in branches of Freemasonry, serving as Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Benevolent Grand Lodge A.F.&A. Masons of Ohio and was even honored as “Master Mason of the Year.” He was also actively involved in the NAACP and the Mahoning and Shenango Valley Deacons Association, amongst many other community organizations.

A man of deep faith, Jesse was a longtime member of Third Baptist Church, where he served on the board of trustees, as church treasurer for 13 years, and as a Deacon following his ordination in 1986. He was also active with the Men of Goodwill, Sunday School, and other committees in the Church.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his granddaughter, Brandy (Juwone) Harris; his longtime and special companion, Louise Adams; his beloved “Four Girls,” Christine (Gary) Lynch, Shirley Anderson, Monifa Anderson and Leslie (Randy) Stevens; nieces and nephews, Phyllis Weeks, Michele Carter, Mark (Sabrena) Carter, John (Soriyah) Carter Jr. and Marie (Ronnie) Williams; godsons, Thomas and Trenton Hight, Jerome Givens, along with a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; sons; brothers, A.J. Carter and John Carter; and his sister, Romelia Carter; and niece, Gloria Hight.

Deacon Jesse Lee Carter Sr. will be remembered for his faith, leadership, service and unwavering love for family and community. His legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

As we honor Deacon Jesse’s remarkable life, the members of the Carter Family invite the community to join them in remembrance and celebration of his legacy. A public viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, with community tributes and presentations.

There will be an additional opportunity for public viewing from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Third Baptist Church, 1177 Parkhill Ave., concluding with a tribute presentation by the Benevolent Grand Lodge of Columbus.

The Celebration of Life services, replete with military honors, will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Vince Peterson II officiating and Pastor Randy Stevens, Deacon Jesse’s nephew, as the eulogist. Following the committal ceremony, Deacon Jesse will be laid to rest beside his wife and among their sons, in the serene meadows of Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Deacon Jesse Lee Carter Sr. will be forever remembered for his unwavering spirit, contributions to his community, and the love he shared with his family and friends.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Deacon Jesse Lee Carter Sr. elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care arrangements to the J.E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown; 330-782-8500.

(special notice)