FELLSMERE – Mary Carter spent nearly 20 years volunteering at the Marian Fell Library, teaching the children who to read and speak English and encouraging them to explore their world through books.
Mrs. Carter, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 81, was recognized for her years of “unselfish devotion” and “boundless energy” at a recent Fellsmere City Council meeting. “She was a beautiful lady,” Councilman Joel Tyson said as he recognized her efforts at the meeting.
Her husband of 64 years, Lee Carter, and her son, Dale, accepted the plaque in her honor.
“Mary loved that library nearly as much as she loved Lee,” fellow Historical Society member Tyson said, drawing laughter from both Lee and Dale, Dale nodding in agreement. Tyson added that he had never seen such a loving couple as Mary and Lee.
Tyson thanked the Carters for Mary’s service and recounted a favorite memory of the long-time volunteer.
Tyson told the audience that there was one time when the library’s alarm went off and he and his neighbor, fellow historian Korky Korker, went over to the library to turn it off.
“You could hear it all over town,” Tyson said.
Mrs. Carter had told them to remember the code “is like an airplane.”
The pair tried 707, 727, 747 – no luck. They had to call Mrs. Carter, who came over.
“I was ready to shoot that alarm,” Tyson said.
Mrs. Carter arrived on scene and again told the men the alarm was like a plane. While holding her arms out and bobbing like a plane, she said “0707.”
On behalf of the City of Fellsmere, Tyson also present the elder Mr. Carter the Key to the City.
“I don’t know what it’ll unlock,” Tyson quipped as he handed the key to Mr. Carter.
Both Carters thanked the city and historical group for their recognition.
Before passing, Mrs. Carter had served as the treasurer for the Fellsmere Library Association.
