Mary Margaret “Meme” McCarter, 67, of Peoria, passed away at 3:12 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, 700 Main Street in Peoria, with the Rev. Eric Swanson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Mary was born on November 12, 1945 in Mt. Vernon, a daughter of George Melvin and Grace Eleanor (Mayer) McCarter. They preceded her in death. She married Pastor Rodney Herrick in Colfax on December 28, 1985. He survives. She is also survived by her step-mother, Judie McCarter of Palestine; sister, Johanna (Dick) McCarty of Hillsboro; step-sister, Leslie (Rob) Stark of Palestine; devoted mother-in-law, Mary Herrick of Peoria; sisters-in-law, Sarah “Sally” (Boyd) Christy and Marylee (John) Nunley, all of Peoria; eleven nieces and nephews; twenty-five great nieces and nephews; two step-aunts; and many cousins and friends. Mary graduated from Palestine High School in 1963. She accepted Christ as her savior at an early age at Pleasant View United Church of Christ and was baptized in the Wabash River in Palestine. She remained active in church activities her entire life. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor Degree in Theatre Arts, with a minor in English. She taught at Colfax/Ridgeview High School for thirty-three years and loved her students. After her marriage, she filled the many duties as a pastor’s wife, assisting Rodney at the various churches he served. She loved being a pastor’s wife and loved the members of the churches they were called to served. She was later employed by the U of I Extension Office in Shelbyville, when they were called to serve the Cowden and Lakewood Methodist Churches. Wherever she was, and whatever the task, she was always the teacher and had a passion for the job at hand. After a stroke in 2008, Mary inspired many with her determination and continuing zest for life. She participated with Chime Strokers, sharing her musical gifts. She enjoyed attending Stroke Camp, Church Camp and visiting Chicago and St. Louis. She was outgoing, hardworking, determined and loved her family and caring for others. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp in Peoria Heights. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria. Mary’s Memorial Website and online condolences may be accessed at www.ClaryFunerals.com.
| Bles |
Thank you for the music |
April 5, 2013 |
I have only known Meme after her stroke. We have been through some rough times and a lot of good times and great times. Although words were often hard to find, her songs would always be in rhythm and in perfect tune. One day, I brought my ukulele to work and we sang the best version of 'bicycle built for two'. we sang it better the second time around when we harmonized toward the end. She has a special way of doing things -what is good can get better until it's best and i will remember her fondly. Thank you for singing with me, Meme.
| Tawni Lewis |
freind/nurse |
April 13, 2013 |
So sad when I heard of Meme passing. She was a joy to be around. I only knew her after her stroke. It was a pleasure knowing you and my deepest sympathy to your very loving family. She was the little engine that could with a love of music and family. You were and will continue to be an inspiration. Every time I hear take me out to the ball game being played in the dining room I will think of my favorite Methodist-white Sox-bears fan and smile.
| Bethany Bode Stubblefield |
Friend and former ministers wife |
April 7, 2013 |
Rev Herrick, Please know that we are thinking of you and your family at this time. Meme was a wonderful women. I remember you as our pastor and Meme with the beautiful voice. Our prayers go out to you for peace and comfort.
From all your friends at West Olive United Methodist Church and The Stubblefields. Gopd Bless
| Tim Grosse |
Former Studen- Octavia HS |
April 6, 2013 |
My thoughts and prayers go to not only the directly related members of Miss McCarter's family, but to all of us who had the privilege of being touched by her smile, determination and the zeal for life, no matter what happen. Personally, I know she made an impact on my life, encouraging me to expand my risk level and be happy with who I am. I am so glad I listened to her. I know many students would call Mac not only a great teacher, but also a friend. We grieve losing her, but we all carry a little bit of Mac with us to this day. Our memories of Octavia High School are memories of not the building, but the teachers and classmates we met and talked with every day. Mac is now free from the earthly pain and suffering. All of us who know her, smile when we remember her, for that is the greatest gift she has given us, the love for living life to its fullest and to bring laughter and joy to those around us. I will never forget her.
| Lois Mannaioni |
Former colleague |
April 6, 2013 |
My deepest sympathy to all who are grieving the passing of Meme, an extraordinary woman. I enjoyed working with her at Octavia High School and was impressed by the quality of her teaching and her passion for incorporating life lessons into her subject matter. The world is a better place for her having been here.
| Gail (Smith) Rowley |
Best Teacher Ever! |
April 5, 2013 |
I am very sad to learn of Macs passing. What a zest for life she had! I will never forget the Chloraseptic spray she kept on her desk and every time I walked by, she would spray it in my mouth when my voice was going away! Only Mac!! It's hard to believe that nearly 40 years have gone by and I can still hear her voice and see her smile. She left a lasting impression on all who knew her. To her family, please find peace in knowing that she touched so many lives and helped us to be ready to face the big world that was ahead. I'm sure I will hear her laughing, yelling and singing as I reach my eternal home one day! OHS '75
