Dorenda Carter's Obituary
Dorenda McClain Harris (Rennie to her friends and
family) was born to Fred Harris and Blanche ColeMitchell in Saint Louis, Missouri on April 6, 1941.
In 1959, Dorenda graduated from Vashon High School
with honors one year early and was Salutatorian of her
class. She went on to study Nursing at Homer G.
Phillips School of Nursing. Soon after graduation, she
married her high school sweetheart, Roy Lee Carter on
August 12, 1962.
Dorenda accepted the Lord as her personal Savior
during her teenage years while she attended Pleasant
Green Missionary Baptist Church. Dorenda later
attended and was an original founding member of
Blessed Hope Bible Church. She participated in the
Women's Ministry as President of 'When Ladies Meet.'
Her favorite Bible scripture was Psalms 23.
Dorenda began her career as a triage nurse. She
went on to work in maternity labor and delivery, then
later as a registered Psychiatric Nurse. Dorenda was
employed at several hospitals in the Saint Louis area,
including Saint Louis County Hospital, Jewish Hospital,
and John Cochran & Jefferson Barracks Veterans
Hospitals. Her nursing skills and experience benefited
her contributions in positions with the Human
Development Corporation Parent-Child Center and
Monsanto Corporation. Dorenda ended her nursing
career at DePaul/St. Vincent's Hospital.
After her retirement from nursing in 2003, Dorenda
spent her time serving the Lord and her church,
volunteering at Christian Northeast Hospital and
traveling to visit family, loved ones and friends across
the country. She also enjoyed watching westerns,
crime tv shows and old movies.
Dorenda is preceded in death by her parents, Fred
Harris and Blanche Cole-Mitchell; stepfather, Edward Mitchell;
an aunt and uncle who assisted in raising her, Harrison and
Juanita McClain; her loving husband, Roy Lee Carter,
beloved sister, Nellie Harrison and devoted daughter-in-law,
Sydney Carter.
She is survived by her five children ~ Andrea Michelle
(Mark), Mark David, Timothy Joseph (former spouse,
Nicole), Stephen Michael (Marnie) and Deborah Denise
(William); her brother ~ Aaron Matthews; sister ~ Sophia
Ledet (Elvin); three nieces; a nephew, seventeen grandchildren;
seven great-grandchildren, grandnieces nephews; a host of
cousins and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorenda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorenda?
Share a story where Dorenda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorenda you’ll never forget.
How did Dorenda make you smile?
