Obituary: Norma Sarah Johnson Carter

Norma Sarah Johnson Carter 1921 ~ 2006 Our dearly beloved mother, Norma Sarah Johnson Carter, returned home to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father October 4, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. Her departure from this mortal existence was sudden and completely unexpected. Mother died in her home. She was 85 years old. Norma Sarah Johnson Carter was born in Murray, Utah the youngest of eight children to Thorwald and Sarah Olena Morck Johnson February 18, 1921. Norma graduated from West High School in 1938. From high school she went on to work at the Paris Co. in Salt Lake City as an elevator operator. After that she was approached because of her talent and beauty to become a model in New York City. She could not leave her home or her family so she modeled in the Salt Lake area. She modeled wedding gowns for the Newhouse Hotel and modeled swimwear for aircraft advertising in the late 30s-early 40s. Norma was said to be a Marilyn Monroe look-alike in her younger years. Norma's work career went on to bring her great joy and satisfaction as she managed the Makeoff's Beauty Salons in the 60s. From there she worked as the manager for Auerbach's Beauty Salon for close to 18 years. She loved her employees and they all loved her. Following the closing of Auerbach's, Norma managed Merle Norman Cosmetics and "The Touch of Magic" Beauty Salon for many years. She spent many happy days there, not only in management, but as a make-up artist as well. Norma had a special talent for bringing out the best in her clientele and giving them confidence and self-esteem. Her last venture in the work field was that of opening up her own beauty salon, which she named "Karisma" in downtown Salt Lake. Norma was loved, respected and highly thought of by both her operators and patrons. She retired in approximately the year 2000. During her younger years she worked in the LDS Mutual Program for young women for 18 years. Norma met and married Richard LeRoy (Roy) Carter in April of 1943. It was a blind date and also love at first sight. Norma and Roy spent 30 happy years together. On November, 17, 1964 their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Norma has been without her sweetheart for 33 years. Roy preceded her in death at the age of 58 December 27, 1973. Mother's hobbies included gardening, interior decorating, make-up artistry, as well as her many collections of porcelain dolls and angels. She was a #1 Jazz fan, never missing a game. Jeff Hornacek was her very favorite player, with both Stockton and Malone coming in as close seconds. Also, President George and Laura Bush were among her favorite people. Her life will always be celebrated by each of her children. Norma is survived by her children, Nancy Lee Carter Fisher of Pleasant Grove, Richard William Carter of Salt Lake City, and Jeffrey Paul Carter of Lehi; her stepsons, Gary LeRoy Carter of Salt Lake City and James Dennis Carter of Sandy; 18 grandchildren; and many, many great-grandchildren who fondly referred to her as "Gi-Gi" for Great-Grandma. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; and her mother and father. She had seven brothers and sisters, and was the last living sibling in her family. Her siblings include Helen Caldwell, Alla Linnill, Jeannette Halloran, Sybil Wigginton, Phillip Barrington Johnson, Walter Johnson, and Ted Johnson. She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Candy Carter; two grandchildren, Candice and Jeffrey; close dear friends, James Morgan Buckley and Helen Buckley; also her dear sweet "guardian angel," Myrna Riddle, who had a special bond with her, not only in life, but continuing their journey beyond the veil. Myrna was called home only 13 days prior to our Mother's passing. We feel that Myrna was instrumental in telling our mom, "Our circle is complete for now. All of our family is here to welcome you." Our memories of our dear mother will always comfort us and buoy us up in our lonely hours. We rest assured in the knowledge that through the gift of the atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that Mother lives again. The day which we fear as our last, is but the birthday of eternity, our last breath here is our first breath there. Mother lived a life of service and unselfishness. Her generosity, as well as kindness, shown to others were such special traits that could not be surpassed by anyone. Mother gave to everyone who was down trodden and needed her assistance. Even in death, Mother as a donor, gave her eyes to bless someone else with the special blessing of sight to see the beauties of the world. A viewing will be held Sunday, October 8, 2006 from 5-7p.m. Services will be held Monday, October 9, 2006, 12 noon, with a viewing from 10:45-11:45 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery, 5600 South 900 East, Murray, Utah.