Harriette Ann Smith was born on June 20, 1930, as one of seven children born to Rev. Robert Benjamin Smith and Audryes B. Mills, in Oklahoma City, OK. Harriette attended and graduated from Dunjee High School, where she participated in various sports activities. Upon graduating she later attended a technical college. Harriette accepted Christ at an early age at the First Baptist Church of Green Pastures, in Oklahoma, under the leadership of her father, the late Rev. Robert Benjamin Smith. There she was actively involved with the Senior Choir and the Baptist Training Union. After the passing of her father, the church called Rev. H. A. Walker to serve as senior pastor, and the church name would be changed to True Vine Baptist Church.

Harriette met and eventually married Ernest Lindsey. Two children were born to this union, Arnold Lee and Deborah Ann Lindsey. This union was later dissolved, and Harriette married Joe Carter, Sr. Four children were born to this union: Mark Anthony, Kelvin Maurice (deceased), Tyrone Alexander (deceased), and Joe Cephus, Jr.

In 1972, the young family would uproot and relocate to Bakersfield, CA and subsequently taken in by Sister Luella Robinson. Sis. Robinson was a member of People’s Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Ismael Kimbrough, Jr. and would record each worship service and have the whole family sit down and listen. Because of Sis. Robinson’s persistent witnessing, Harriette and her family eventually united with the People’s Missionary Baptist Church in 1975. Upon uniting with the PMBC family, Harriette became an active member and faithfully participated in various ministries. She served as president and director of the choir for over 36 years. She also served in the Culinary Ministry, the Mission Choir, and United Sisterhood. She also served as a Deaconess after Sis. Faye Simpson made a special appeal to Rev. Kimbrough. Harriette continued her faithful service under the pastorate of Dr. V.K. Jones until her age, and physical ability prevented her from doing so.

Harriette was employed as a domestic worker for many years by Dr. Donald and Vicki Sheffel with whom she developed a familial relationship. They often entrusted her with the care of their home whenever they traveled out of town. They often recommended her to their friends and family members because of her welcoming spirit and exceptional work ethics. She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. There was never a day that went by without seeing Harriette taking care of her garden. She was also a culinary artist and most enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Rev. Robert Benjamin and Audryes Smith; husband, Joe Carter, Sr., former husband; Ernest Lindsey, daughter and son-in-law, Deborah Ann (Clifford, Sr.) Edison, two sons; Kelvin Maurice, and Tyrone Alexander. Four brothers and sister-in-law: Robert (Adella) Smith, Rev. Archie B. (Onecia) Smith, Otis James (Coretta) Smith. Sister and brothers-in-law; Christine (Eli) Barber, Vera Laverne (Elza) Malone, and brother-in-law; Gus Washington. Three grandchildren; Tamera Shalee Lindsey, and Clifford Edison Jr, and Chaneka Sanders.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her only surviving sister, Mary Katherine Washington of Peoria, IL, sons; Arnold Lee (Rose) Lindsey of Spencer, OK, Mark Anthony (Gilda) Carter of Bakersfield, CA, Rev. Joe Cephus (Constance) Carter of Lafayette, IN. Daughters-in-law; Latisha Carter and Jennifer Carter. A special granddaughter Latonja Janel Lindsey. An adopted Son: Deacon Earl Hawkins. Adopted families Judy Roberson, Willie Roberson, Beverly Sweatt-Molland, Willie (Annie) Sweatt, Jr., Wenoka Sweatt. Twelve grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.