Rachael Alvilda Ross Carter died at her daughter’s home in Bronx, New York, on July 12. Mrs. Carter was the eldest daughter of Petrina and Hugh Valdemar Petersen, and was born Aug. 12, 1912.
She survived both husbands: Iver Hamilton Ross and John Ethelbert Carter. Mrs. Carter was well known on the island because she "anchored" Merwin & Co. as their cashier for over 35 years and was described as their "public relations ambassador." She was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and sang alto in the choir for many, many years.
She is survived by her daughters: Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot (Bishop Frederick H.), Gertrude Ross Jones (Paul) and Clarissa Ross Lewis (Linwood Sr.); sisters: Marion Petersen Ford and Antoinette Petersen Bolling (Lloyd); and brother, Frank Petersen. She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Clarissa and Edna Petersen of St. Croix, Marynda Petersen of Atlanta, Georgia., Ruth Ross Mullgrav of New York and Bernice Ross of Washington, D.C.; brother-in-law, Henry Carter (Margaret) St. Croix; and grandchildren: Dr. Linwood Lewis (Carolyn), Angela Lewis Reid, Steven Lewis, Veronica Lewis, Paula Jones Prince and Katherine Jones Berry (James). Other survivors include great-grandchildren: Jordan Griffith, Kaitlyn Reid, Benjamin and Karena Lewis and Miles, and Alexus Berry; step-children: Dolores Carter Brown, Douglas Carter (Beryl), Dorothy Carter, Dr. Doreen Carter, Denis Carter and Rigmor Carter Barron (Thomas). For many years she was the matriarch of the Edney and Petersen clan. She is also survived by close to one hundred nieces and nephews, many, many cousins and other in-laws from the Ross and Carter families.
The family will welcome friends and well wishers for visitation from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, at the James Memorial Funeral Home.
A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. and a funeral service at 10 a.m on Friday, July 23, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Frederiksted Cemetery. Arrangements are by James Memorial Funeral Home.
