Jayetta Carter-McFarlin

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28 On January 13, 2024, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer, Jayetta Carter-McFarlin was called to her eternal rest. Born on December 14, 1953, to Bishop Marshall Carter and Mother Lillie Carter, Jayetta was the baby of her family, often humorously reminding everyone, “I’m the baby and everybody better know it.” Her childhood was deeply rooted in church alongside her family, a foundation that guided her through various roles in ministry later in life. On January 26, 1990, Jayetta married the love of her life, Bishop Gary McFarlin, affectionately known to each other as "honey" and "baby." Their bond was unbreakable, remaining inseparable until the day God called her home. Bishop McFarlin often lovingly said they shared one heartbeat: the first beat was his, and the second, hers. Observing them together was like seeing one soul in two bodies; even their children would often joke about their parents doing everything together, including answering the phone as a duo—a true testament to their deep union and bond. In the early stages of her career, Jayetta worked for Southern Bell, where she rapidly rose through the ranks, consistently excelling and overachieving in every task she undertook. Her remarkable talents were recognized when she was promoted to a corporate facilitator. This position highlighted her outstanding ability to lead and command attention in meetings, eventually leading to her being requested to travel nationwide to lead executive meetings. Within the church, Jayetta served in various capacities, each aligning with her diverse gifts. Her roles ranged from delivering powerful welcome addresses at the UCOGIC Holy Convocation on Women’s Day, to leading as the ISAAC President (International Stitchers, Artists & Associated Crafts). Additionally, her involvement in the choir, the finance office, and eventually the Board of Directors, showcased her willingness to serve in multiple facets of church life. In every role, she brought a level of tenacity and dedication that was truly unparalleled. Jayetta was a true embodiment of creativity. Not only was she a fashion designer and master seamstress, capable of designing and creating any garment she envisioned, but she also excelled in various other artistic endeavors. She shone as an actress, a writer who published three children's books in recent years, a poet, and a musician and songwriter. Additionally, as a speaker and a singer with an unparalleled five-octave vocal range, she had the remarkable ability to captivate and awe any audience. Every time she sang, she did so with such power and emotion that she could bring down the house. Jayetta was also an avid athlete with a special passion for running, often spending her weekends running 15+ miles with her brother, Dr. Larry L. Carter. But her heart truly belonged to the roller skating rink. From the moment her children learned to walk, they were equipped with roller skates, swiftly becoming an integral part of their lives. Jayetta's family fondly recalls that when they weren't in church, you could find them all at the rink, it was their second home, not just skating, but showcasing a remarkable talent. Jayetta herself was a sight to behold, performing routines, tricks, and moves that left onlookers in awe as she effortlessly glided across the rink. Although Jayetta had a remarkable career, achieving her degree remained a lifelong dream. She often said her children were brilliant and wanted to demonstrate where their intellect stemmed from. True to her word, after her children were grown, Jayetta pursued this dream. At the age of 51, she enrolled at Georgia State University. In typical fashion, she excelled academically, just as she had in other areas of her life. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA, tutoring and mentoring fellow students, and being inducted into multiple honor societies, Jayetta graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Education. This accomplishment led to her second career as a teacher. Her pursuit of education didn't stop there; she went on to complete a Master's Degree from Walden University, again graduating with the highest honors. Jayetta's love for teaching was more than a profession; it was her calling. She was deeply passionate about enriching the lives of her students. Her commitment to education extended beyond her professional career. In her own neighborhood and within her family, she also devoted time to tutoring multiple students, including her grandchildren. Jayetta's passion for learning knew no bounds, and it remained strong even after her retirement from teaching. She often engaged in solving math problems just for the joy of it. Her dedication to self-improvement led her to enroll in a non-credit college calculus course at Georgia State University. This step was driven by her long-standing desire to master calculus, firmly believing in her ability to achieve it if she set her mind to the task. Her commitment to continuous learning and self-challenge was truly inspirational. Even in the face of her illness, Jayetta remained the same tenacious and passionate evangelist, known for her unique ability to deeply impact people's lives. During her last public speaking engagement in October 2023, at her daughter Kendra's business conference, she delivered a powerful message that profoundly moved many attendees. Several of them shared that her words had a life-changing effect, even in the brief time they had the privilege to hear her speak. Her final message, a simple yet impactful "finish it," encapsulated her enduring spirit and unwavering determination. To quote one of her favorite movies, "Every man dies, but not every man really lives." Jayetta truly lived. She left no business unfinished; she accomplished everything she set out to do and everything she put her mind to. She fulfilled all that she needed to leave behind on earth, creating an impact that will resonate for generations. In every sense of the word, she finished it! Jayetta was preceded in death by her father, Bishop Marshall Carter; her mother, Mother Lillie Carter; and her eldest sister, Mrs. Patricia Logan. She leaves a rich legacy to be cherished by her beloved husband, Bishop Gary McFarlin; her four daughters and two sons-in-law: Mrs. Seleata Smith-Bowers (Mr. Ryder Bowers), Mrs. Kendra J. Lewis (Mr. Antonio Lewis), Ms. Melissa McFarlin, and Ms. Garita McFarlin. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Evangelist Myra C. Warner; her brother, Dr. Larry L. Carter; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the lord, so take your rest in the lord our sweet ‘blue Jay’. Well done.

Tributes

Jayetta Carter-McFarlin

December 14, 1953 - January 13, 2024