"I graduated with you and Elsie in '57,Doug. In a way it seems like yesterday. The whole student body admired your athletic prowess and everyone loved Elsie. How blessed you were to enjoy a lifetime with the one you fell in love with so early on in life! I pray for the well-being of you and your family during the challenging time ahead. - "
In loving memory of
Elsie Mae Carter
February 28, 1939 - March 22, 2016
Elsie Mae Leininger Carter, of Cooper City, Florida passed away on March 22, 2016. She was 77 years of age. Elsie Mae was born in Washington, DC on February 28, 1939, daughter of Charles and Verna Mae (Grimes) Leininger. Along with her husband, Doug Carter, they own and operate Delaware Chicken Farm and Seafood Market in Hollywood, Florida. Delaware Chicken Farm and Seafood Market is a family owned business that was started by Charles and Verna in 1951 and ownership passed to Doug and Elsie Mae in 1961.
Elsie Mae moved to South Florida from Delaware with her family in the 1940's. She met her husband Doug when they were in 8th grade, were high school sweethearts and married right after graduation. Elsie graduated from South Broward High School in 1957. She was a member of the Wheelettes, Student Council, National Honor Society and president of the Senior Debs. She served on the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and was an active member of Hollywood Hills United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her beloved husband of 58 years (James) Douglas Carter of Cooper City; daughter Bonnie Carter of Davie; son Kenny Carter of Orlando; sister Bette Haislip of Pembroke Pines; brother Robert Leininger of Baltimore, MD; granddaughter Sara Mouradian of Cooper City, grandson Matthew Polvinale of Orlando, great grandson Nathan Mouradian of Cooper City, great granddaughter Sophia Mae of Cooper City. Elsie Mae was preceded in death by her son Keith Carter in 1996.
Visitation: Monday, March 28 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Fred Hunter's Hollywood Memorial Home, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 29 at 10:00am at Hollywood Hills United Methodist Church, 400 North 35th Avenue, Hollywood. Larry Bergstrom, officiating.
Tributes
"We first met Elsie Mae and Doug fourteen years ago when we moved to Hollywood, Florida. When we first attended Hollywood Hills United Methodist Church, Elsie Mae and Doug were one of the first couples to welcome us to the church. Over the years, we found out that she is a great baker of banana nut bread and always full of joy. She is always dressed eloquently and I cannot remember her wearing the same outfit twice. The pictures shared here show that she brought great joy and happiness to Doug, their family, and everyone she knows. We will miss you. Nelson and Keith "
"So sorry to get the news about you, Elsie, what a kind and welcoming person you were to me. When I first moved to Hollywood and entered SBHS early in '56 you and our classmates Cecil Cooper, Dennis Maher, Frank Bean, Kathy Cassidy, Tom Geronimo, Clausson Lexow, and a few others were those who were my early adopters reaching out to the new kid from Brooklyn. You made an immediate, warm and lasting impression that has lasted all these years, Elsie. You will be missed; I'll miss you."
"Elsie and I graduated together from South Broward High School along with her husband Doug. She was a sweet, beautiful person who was so friendly and open. We all had a great time working on the class reunions and "birthday parties" together. She worked hard and was devoted to her family. We will all miss her. Rest in Peace."
"I have know Elsie for several years. I had the honor and privilege of quilting her quilts. In addition to being a great quilter, she was a down to earth person, kind, and very generous. I will miss her. "
"Everyone loved Elsie. Generous kind person. Worked hard and built a successful business along with her husband. She will be missed not only by Doug and her family but the entire community. "