Carrie Bethea Ballard, 82, was born on December 25, 1940 in Marion, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Calvin Bethea and Annie M. Abraham Bethea. She died on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in the comfort of her home. She was united in marriage to the late James Ballard, Jr. Carrie was a member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the kitchen ministry. In 1965, she moved to New York where she worked at Mert Enterprises from 1966-1974. After leaving there she was employed at Children World Day Care from 1974-1985 as a head cook. Upon returning to Sumter, she worked at Holiday Inn from 1986-1994. After working for others, she decided to start her own business and opened Carrie’s Place from 1995-2015. Every year, Ms. Carrie’s Place received an A+ rating, in addition, she also received the Golden Spatula Award for having continues A ratings. She also received a Holiday Inn Award for her work at the Holiday Inn and Children’s World Day Care for her cooking skills and ability to serve others with care and love. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Lee “Dock” Bethea and James Edward Bethea. Those left to cherish precious memories include her daughter, Betty (James) Broadus; sister, Alma (John) Kennedy, all of Sumter; special friends, Harry McLeod of Sumter, Darlene Pullen of New York, Carrie Terry of Sumter, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation from 3:00 – 7:00 p m. at the family home, 1982 Forest Drive, Sumter. Wake service will be 5:00 – 6:00 p. m., Monday, September 11, 2023 in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 821 North Main Street, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, September 12, 2023 in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 821 North Main Street, Sumter, with the Rev. Jacob L. McLeod, pastor of New Hope United Methodist Church, McBee, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Constance N. McLeod, pastor of New Grace United Methodist Church, St. George, Eulogist. The Procession will leave the home at 11:20 a. m.
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