Kay Carter

Kay Carter, 79, of Little Rock died December 31, 2025, at UAMS Medical Center with her son by her side. She was born September 18, 1946, to Loyd and Alma White and was the youngest of three daughters. She married her husband, Johnny Carter, on July 2, 1966.

Carter was a graduate of Lafe High School and retired as a senior branch office administrator with Edward Jones after 26 years of service where she earned limited partnership status. Earlier in her career, she worked at First National Bank of Paragould and was among the first employees of Walmart. She worked for nearly 19 years as the office cashier at the Paragould location, store No. 36. During her employment, company founder Sam Walton traveled to Paragould to recognize her for a milestone anniversary.

She was a member of East Side Baptist Church, now Harvest Baptist Church, of Paragould.

Carter was devoted to her family and known for her strong work ethic and generosity. She enjoyed traveling, especially with her family. A longtime Paragould resident, she moved to Little Rock following her retirment to be closer to her son.

Survivors include her son, Shane Carter of Little Rock; her sister, Melba Wheeler of St. Peters, Missouri; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; other extended family members and close friends; her granddog, Ben.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Loyd and Alma White; her husband of nearly 51 years, Johnny Carter; and a sister, Christene Holt.

Heath Funeral Home of Paragould is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, beginning at 11:30 a.m., with the funeral to follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery. Pastors Eddie Gene Wright and Laramie LeQuieu will officiate. Pallbearers include Ronald Holt, Keith Legrid, Greg Rhode, Lucas Tucker, Ryan Wheeler, and Tim Wooldridge. Honorary pallbearers include Bill Blackshear, Donald Holt, Kenneth Pugh, Bill Reinhart, Buddy Smith, Mike Spain, Rick Wheeler, and Wyatt Wheeler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America or the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Foundation.