Elee O"Quinn Carter

In Her Own Words “On December 8, 1936 in Mount Holly, Arkansas a beautiful little girl was born to Edward O’Guinn and Leona Milton-O’Guinn. I was named Eddie after my father and Lee after my mother. My father was a farmer and my mother was a school teacher, like I grew up to be. I often find myself singing one of my father’s favorite songs, “Just a Little Love Goes a Long Way.” Although my father did not have a formal education, he taught himself to read and write. Edward O’Guinn was the father of 12 children. I was the eleventh child. My mother, who was a teacher, instilled in her children to pursue knowledge in order to be more successful in the world. Leona O’Guinn only lived to see me until I was 4 years old and my father passed away when I was just eleven. Afterwards, my brother Arthur and I were sent to live with several aunts and uncles in Oklahoma. When I was in my mid-teens I moved to Oakland, CA with my brother Edwin O’Guinn, his wife Ollie Mae Davis-O’Guinn, and their 3 daughters. Mildred and I, the youngest, were a week apart in age and became fast friends for the rest of their lives. My motto became persistence is the key to success!” Her Family and Achievements Elee O’Guinn-Carter’s achievements were the fruits of her labor, which include her children Sharon, Debra, Aaron, and Frank lll. She sacrificed much time and energy to enroll us and take us to wherever our talents lead us. This included being involved in church activities, school events, and hobbies that built character. Our guiding star also embraced Avis and her children. She had many academic achievements such as graduating from Merritt College in June of 1972 and Mills College in December of 1975 with BA American History and Ethnic Studies, and received a Masters in Psychology and Counseling. This woman of perseverance learned Swahili to communicate with those she encountered in her two trips to Ghana. She and her husband, James Carter (deceased in 2018) were very active members at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Stockton. Her spiritual connection to Faith Presbyterian Church kept her uplifted and encouraged up until the last years of life. Much thanks Aunt Gladys Robinson for being her very supportive, loving, kind sister and friend. What She Meant to Us Lee was the matriarch of our family. She loved her children and her grandchildren and she lit up in our presence. Mama Lee was the title she chose because she said she was way too young and attractive to be called grandmother. Still, she taught all of the women in our family how to be respected by carrying herself with elegance, grace, and exuberating confidence. She was easily loved by all whom encountered her and always left a lasting impression. Lee was a true educator, musician, songstress, and dancer which she shared in special moments. She introduced all of us to different genres of music, such as the blues, gospel, and her love of musicals. We will truly miss her presence, her laugher, her prayers, her pies, and her glamorous appearance. She pushed us to follow our dreams and never give up! Elee was preceded in death by Rev. Dr. Frank Pinkard Jr. (patriarch) and Frank Pinkard III (son), James Carter, Christopher (grandson) and her siblings Shirley, Colby, Arthur, Edwin, Bessie, Earl, Riley, Irene. She leaves to cherish precious memories her children Sharon Thomas, Deborah Johnson (George), Aaron Pinkard, Avis Pinkard. Grandchildren; Leona, George II (Jaime), Mishan, Frances, Brandon, Niko, Jourdan, Tierra, Sherron and Nicholas. Great-Grandchildren; Taylor, Anthony, Reah, Leah, Daiza, Iyana, Alona, Nasir, DJ, Cameron, Martavia, Niko, Valentino, Leilani and Milani. Great-Great Grandchildren: Taylor, Carter and Ava. Siblings; Elmer, Thomas (Maxine), Gladys (Edward, deceased). Her loving niece Mildred Leonard, who was her dearest and closest friend. Along with a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

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Elee O"Quinn Carter

December 8, 1936 - December 10, 2024