Wilma Jean (Carter) Shaw

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Wilma Jean (Carter) Shaw, 87, who departed one garden
for another on June 3, 2023. Wilma Jean, daughter of Hobert J. Carter and Mary Emma (Jordan) Carter
was born in Harrodsburg, KY and raised in FL. A longtime resident of Charleston, SC and Winter Haven,
FL, she recently relocated to Seneca, SC to be near her children. Wilma Jean, having joined the U.S. Navy
in 1956, was proud to be a retired U.S. Navy Veteran. After 8 years of active duty, serving as a Dental
Technician, she left the Navy to marry and raise a family, later rejoining as a reservist and completing 20
years before retiring in 1996. She was a certified Master Gardener and a longtime member of the
Riverland Terrace Garden Club of Charleston. She volunteered for many years as a Garden Guide at
Middleton Place in Charleston and Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, FL. Wilma Jean had many creative
talents and interests including being an award-winning quilter, crafter, and square dancer. She was a
devoted Christian known as a loving neighbor. She will be remembered most dearly for her willingness
to lift others’ spirits.

She is survived by her son, David Carter Shaw (Kristie Burr); daughter, Jennifer Maxine Shaw (Kevin
Comtois); their father Earl D. Shaw; siblings Maxine Rhodes, Tina Dietrich, Nelson Carter (Connie),
Debbie Suwa (Akira), Kay Sandbrook Jordan (Bruce); and close cousin Al Jordan and family. She is
predeceased by her brother, Stanley Carter (Charlotte) and brothers-in-law Robert Rhodes and Lee
Dietrich. She will be remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews, a large extended family, and
many wonderful friends.

A memorial service will be held in Florida later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in
her name to the Lake Wales Literacy Council, Lake Wales, FL (863) 676-5767. Adult literacy held a special
place in her heart in honor of her father to whom she read as a child.