Emma Mae Douthit

Emma May (Douthit) McCarter 100 years of age, beloved wife and mother, journeyed into eternal life where she was embraced by her Lord, and beloved husband Raymond "Pete" McCarter. She was born September 12, 1910 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to John and Della (Stout) Douthit. The family moved to Siloam Springs, Arkansas when Emma was a small child, making the journey in a covered wagon. Emma was the second of six siblings. Four predeceased her; Vernie Smith, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Frances Marlar of Van Buren, Arkansas, and Ruth Trent of Hope, Arkansas; and a brother, John Douthit of Owasso, Oklahoma. Emma graduated from Siloam Springs High School in 1932. She assisted her father in managing his general store. Emma met Raymond "Pete" McCarter after his tour in the Navy. They were married in May of 1936 and made their home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. They were united in marriage for fifty-three years until he preceded her in death. As well as being a wife and mother she was the bookkeeper of the family business, a grade A dairy farm with the breeding and selling of registered dairy cattle. She was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church for over fifty years. Emma taught 4H girls how to sew, served as a sponsor in Future Homemakers of America and belonged to the County Homemakers Organization. Emma always had time to minister to family and friends. Her genteel spirit, love of the Lord, and her family left a legacy for her family to emulate. After her husband's death and due to declining health she made a move to McAlester, Oklahoma and lived at Burgundy Place to be closer to family. Eventually it was necessary for her to reside in Mitchell Manor Convalescent Center. The family will receive visitors 9:00 a.m., at Bishop's Memorial Chapel, Friday, July 8th followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Charles Neff officiating. Interment will be 3:00 p.m., at Oak Hill Cemetery in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Honorary pallbearers will be: Scott Bridges, Paul Bridges, Brian Bridges, Carter Sanger, D.W. Bridges and Dunning Sanger. She is survived by a brother, George Henry Douthit, his wife Deloris Douthit of Kansas, Oklahoma, and sister-in-law, Jean Douthit of Owasso, Oklahoma and two daughters, Joyce and son-in-law, Dr. Delta Bridges of McAlester, Oklahoma and Frances and son-in-law, Dunning Sanger of Norman, Oklahoma. Grandchildren are Tracy Bridges of McAlester, Oklahoma, Rev. Scott and wife Julie Bridges of College Park, Maryland, Rev. Paul and wife Margann Bridges of Grassvalley, California, Brian Bridges of Kansas City, Kansas, Rev. Carter and wife Rhonda Sanger of Katie, Texas, Amy and husband Jeff Horn of Norman, Oklahoma, Della and husband Chris Kramedjian of Nashville, Tennessee. Great grandchildren are: Emily Bridges, Amy Bridges Hollie Bridges, Katie Sams, Walker Bridges, Jack Bridges, Sarah Sams, Jessica Bridges, Dunning Sanger, Mercer Sanger, Hobie Horn, Fenton Sanger, Hayden Horn, Eliana Sanger, Hadley Horn, Cole and Julia Kramedjian, as well as many nephews and nieces.

(McAlester News Capital-with permission, July 6, 2011)