Jodi Lee Carter

REO, one of Jodi's favorite bands said it best: "When I said that I love you, I meant that I love you forever."

Jodi passed away peacefully in her home in Lenexa, Kansas on the evening of February 7th, 2021 with family by her side. This was the ending of her decade-long battle with early onset Alzheimer's Disease.  We were fortunate enough to keep her at home throughout this journey with the unwavering help of family and friends. Up until her final days, she never stopped moving, smiling and laughing with her infectious laugh that we could never get enough of.

Jodi was born on February 24th, 1961 to Wes and Dolores Miller in Lawrence, Kansas. She grew up with an older sister and best friend, Julie, and her three boisterous and loving younger brothers Allen, Andy and Jeff. Her family moved around before settling into their home in Shawnee, Kansas where Jodi attended Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. She was a cheerleader, manager for three sports teams and crowned Homecoming Queen. Throughout her life, Jodi loved antique shopping and crafting alongside her mom and sister.

Jodi met her husband, Charlie, November 18th, 1981 in Lawrence, Kansas after he found her name posted on the seating chart outside of their pharmacy class. They spent the next several months meeting in the science library to talk, write love notes and presumably study. Charlie proposed to Jodi on December 23rd, 1983. They were married at St. Agnes Church in Roeland Park, Kansas on July 20th, 1984.  After a brief stint working for chain pharmacies, they decided to purchase Abrams Pharmacy so they could work alongside one another daily.  This made it easier to coordinate schedules for their three children: Zach, Mackenzie and Mackaela. However, this often left Charlie answering the phone to "Let me talk to Mom."

Jodi was her children's biggest cheerleader, and she embraced every moment she had with them. She spent countless hours helping with homework, cooking warm meals, traveling for sporting events and making her children smile with her warm heart and personality. Jodi could not have been a more reassuring, encouraging and protective mother.

Jodi's favorite things were vacations, concerts, dancing and an occasional margarita.  She went on several cruises with Charlie, where she would start conversations with anyone, often making new friends along the way. They drove with their children all over the country, typically going somewhere with a pool and beach. They also took several group vacations and attended many Eagles, REO and Styx concerts with their close friends.

Jodi always wanted what was best for the people she loved. She wanted to help in any way she could to make sure they were happy.  Kindness and warmth came naturally and exuded from her, which made her such an easy person to care for. She had shown us by example how to treat the people you love with patience, forgiveness and compassion.

Our family wants to give a special acknowledgement to Nana & Grandad, Aunt Pam, Cindy and Paige for the countless hours spent helping and caring for Jodi.

Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Charlie Carter; a son, Zach Carter; daughters, Mackenzie Carter and Mackaela (Nick) Bandy; her parents; sister, Julie Pickert; brothers, Allen, Andy (Tammie) and Jeff (Jill) Miller; her many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 15 at 10:00 am at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 22779 Metcalf Rd, Bucyrus, KS 66013; burial in the Queen of the Holy Rosary Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Sunday, February 14 at the Amos Family Funeral Home. To view the service live please CLICK HERE.

Memorial contributions may be made to HFC (non profit that helps support caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients). Hilarity for Charity,  C/O OLC, LLP, 9301 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 507,  Beverly Hills, CA 90210  https://wearehfc.org