August 24, 1944 – September 14, 2025
Janis Amanda Sheffield Carter of Gore, Oklahoma, passed away on September 14, 2025, at the age of 81 in Muskogee, Oklahoma, after a brief illness. She was born on August 24, 1944, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and grew up in Webbers Falls, where she graduated as the Valedictorian of her class in 1962.
Janis had a lifelong passion for music, beginning as a pianist for her church throughout her junior high and high school years and singing alto in several church choirs. Her love of music continued throughout her life and was passed down to her children and grandchildren. After high school, Janis attended Oklahoma Baptist University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She went on to teach elementary school in Oklahoma City for several years, shaping the lives of many students.
A special memory from Janis’ younger years was her travels to Europe, both as a young adult and again during her college years. However, one of the most significant moments in her life came when she returned home to Webbers Falls and met Don Carter across the Arkansas River in Gore. The two were married on January 29, 1966, in Webbers Falls. Together, they made their home in Oklahoma City, where they enjoyed the company of their wonderful neighborhood friends and Olivet Church family, relationships that would last a lifetime.
In 1979, Janis and Don returned to Gore, where they purchased the Gore True Value (Otasco) store. For 38 years, they served their community with love, dedication, and a sense of humor. Janis cherished her customers, building deep friendships that extended far beyond the store. She was known for her warm heart, her love of storytelling, and her infectious laughter.
Janis is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Don Carter; her son, Jeff Carter of Webbers Falls; her daughter Amanda and son-in-law Dr. Tim Johnson of Russellville, AR; and her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Violet Carter Crites and husband Caleb of Westville, OK; Carter Johnson of Russellville, AR; Vann Carter of Stillwater; Cash Carter and Roman Carter of Webbers Falls; Marley Johnson of Fayetteville, AR; and Chandra “Coco” Carter of Gore. She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Dixie Conrad, and her brother, John Sheffield, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family. Janis was preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Violet Sheffield, her in-laws Cleo and Opal Carter, and her oldest grandson, Stevie Ray Carter.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Webbers Falls First Baptist Church, with burial immediately following at Sallisaw Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, September 19, 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. at the Agent-Millsap Event Center in Gore, OK. The family will be at the visitation at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Habitat for Humanity at www.habitat. org or a charity of your choice, as Janis was passionate about helping her neighbors and would be pleased to know you are continuing her legacy of service.
