Obituary of Marjorie Day Carter

Marjorie Day Carter, well-known educator in the Syracuse City School District for 40 years, and role-model for all who loved her, received her angel wings on April 25, 2024.  She was 97 years of age. 
Born August 9, 1926, Marjorie was the only child of Orlando and Hester Day.  A lifelong resident of Syracuse, she spent summers on the family farm in Navarino, NY.  She attended Madison Elementary School and graduated from Central High School.  Music and the arts were her main interests, and she was an avid reader from an early age.  After her graduation from Cortland State Teachers College in 1950, she became the first African American teacher to be hired by the Syracuse City School District.  She taught first and second grades at Charles Andrews School.  Because she was willing to try new and innovative teaching methods, with the goal of bringing the highest level of learning to Syracuse City Schools, she was offered the position of Instructional Specialist, a position she filled for most of her career, educating the teachers and advocating for the interests of those who teach.  For several years, she headed a Master Teacher Program at Syracuse University for those wishing to transition into careers in teaching.  She was active at local, state and national levels in educational organizations and teachers’ unions.  
She served the local community as President of the Syracuse Teachers Association, and at the state level was a board member of the New York State United Teachers.  As a delegate for the National Education Association, she also represented New York State at the national level.  She traveled to China to bring new ideas in education as China opened its doors to Western ideas.  She also served as a member of a delegation to Lesotho, Africa to expand the educational process in that emerging country.
She became a board member of the Association of Childhood Education at the national level.  At that time, it was the only organization at the national level focused on teachers’ issues.
Marjorie was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International, an education honorary for women educators.
After retirement, she continued to educate members of the community as a docent for the Everson Museum of Art for more than 25 years, and was honored by receiving its Exemplary Service Award.  She also served on the leadership team of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary for 25 years.  She continued to serve the community by her activity in Syracuse Chapter of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, as well as the Syracuse Interfaith Works Senior Service Program, SUNY Cortland Alumni Board, and Syracuse University’s International Center.
She also served as board member for OASIS of Central New York and was a past President of the Syracuse Chapter of Links, Incorporated.  She was a member of University United Methodist Church, and a member and contributor to the Onondaga Historical Association.
Her many honors include the Post Standard Woman of Achievement Award for contributions to the local community, nominated by Senator Rachel May.  She was named a 2021 Woman of Distinction, an award honoring women in New York State, and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Century Club in 2021.  She also received the SUNY Cortland Distinguished Alumni Award, and an Association of Black Educators’ Distinguished Service Award.  In her honor, a Marjorie Day Carter Scholarship is awarded annually to a SUNY Cortland student who is committed to teaching in an urban setting.
Marjorie was predeceased by her beloved husband Alonzo Carter in 1974.  She is survived by several cousins including Judith Bryant of Auburn NY, Gloria Strong and Valerie Wallace of Hampton, Virginia, Barbara Bakeman Fero and Jo Anne Bakeman of Syracuse, NY, and a host of friends, neighbors, former students, and family.  She is also survived by very special friends Trymeter “Tree” Carter and Sandra L. Holmes.
In Marjorie’s own words, “Whatever it is that you want to do, believe in yourself and you can do it!”
Calling hours will be held Monday, May 6 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at University United Methodist Church at 1085 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, with services to follow at 1:00 pm; Rev. Alicia Wood officiating.  Parking for the church is at 324 University Avenue, Syracuse.  Interment will be in Highland Cemetery, 4262-4282 New Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus NY 13108, where she will be buried next to her husband, Alonzo, and alongside her parents Orlando and Hester.

Donations can be made to Salvation Army Women's and Children's Services, 677 S. Salina Street, Syracuse 13202 or Syracuse Chapter of LINKS Inc. Scholarship Fund, c/o PO Box 345, Syracuse 13214.
Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.