Mary Jane (Gaines) Carter

Mary Jane (Gaines) Carter, affectionately known as Nan, Aunt Keat, and Keat, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, in Saint Louis, Missouri, at the age of 97. Her life was one marked by unwavering faith, deep love for family, dedicated service, and an extraordinary passion for living fully.

Mary Jane was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, and often reflected with gratitude that God placed her in the loving home of Oscar Raymond Gaines and Mary Ann (Finch) Gaines as the 11th of 12 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Sylvester G. Carter, and all 11 of her siblings.

She was educated in South Bend, Indiana school system and later attended Thomas Business School. Seeking new opportunities, Mary Jane relocated to Saint Louis, Missouri, where she began a distinguished career with the United States Postal Service. After 28 years of faithful service, she retired, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, professionalism, and perseverance.

Nan lived an active and vibrant life and was especially known for her lifelong love of bowling. Beginning in her teenage years and continuing into her early nineties, she bowled in a traveling league, competing in all but 11 states. She proudly participated for 35 years in the National Women’s Championship Tournaments and later competed in the St. Louis Senior Olympics, participating in Bowling, Cycling, Darts, Football Throw, and Softball Throw. At the age of 94, after a serious illness, she reluctantly retired from bowling—an achievement few could rival.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Mary Jane accepted Christ at an early age and served Him faithfully throughout her life. She later rededicated her life at Grow to Go Christian Church, where she served on the Beautification Ministry. She loved Christ, her family, and her church and bowling friends, and she lived out that love daily.

Mary Jane leaves to cherish her memory her only child, Susan Wilson; her grandchildren, Patrice Cummings, Austin Bryant, and Craig Wilson; her great-grandchildren, Giuseph Cummings, Makeda Bryant (Danny), Celeste Cummings (Ronald), and Andreina Cummings; and her great-great-grandchildren, McKenna Bryant and Maverick Bryant. She is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Mary Jane (Gaines) Carter lived with grace, strength, and joy. Her legacy of faith, family, service, and resilience will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

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