Athens Emory Carter

Athens Emory Carter, aged 38, left the world unexpectedly on September 4, 2023 in Grand Haven, Michigan. He had just completed his summer stint at Blue Lake Fine Arts camp and was looking forward to returning to his work as vocal accompanist at Central Michigan University in the fall. In addition to his heartbroken parents Gary and Janet Carter, he is survived by his beloved nephew, Jude Emory Moore, sisters Amy ((Brad) Roberson and Ashley Carter, brother Austin (Karen) Carter, nephews Carter Uren, Davis Uren, Austin Carter, Jr., Jack Carter, and Henry Carter, niece Caroline Chadwick, and Aunts Joyce (Claude) Powell, Judy Rawlins, and Jonell Horne. Athens was preceded in death by his sister, Aiden Eliza Carter.

Athens did not embrace any formal religion, choosing instead to follow his own path of deep belief in the tenets of kindness, generosity, and friendship. He often spoke of the comfort he found in the idea that death would bring a peaceful nothingness and a simple cessation of being. We hold tight to that notion on his behalf and in his honor, even while we know in ourselves that the essence of him will live on in us forever. It is our hope that these parts of him we keep alive will not disturb his longed-for peace, and we dream that occasionally his beloved Mahler's Fifth might sound its bold trumpets as accompaniment to his silence, reminding him of the joy of music which lived inside him and spilled over to so many others.

And what can we say of him now that is true? That he looked like no one but himself. That he was handsome in a peculiarly Athens-like way that he alone could carry off. That there was no musical instrument he could not master. That he loved cats. That his smile, especially when it came unexpected and whole and true, was a spotlight that lit up everyone around him. That he gave of himself lovingly and generously, his time and his money and his talents. That he gathered friends easily and kept them long. That he was a great actor and a born teacher, that he was quick of wit and deep of thought, that he suffered injury and adversity and found the strength to rise above it. That he had so much to offer which he never had the chance to give. That he will leave in the world an Athens-shaped hole than can never be adequately filled.

A memorial service will be planned for a later date when all family and friends are available to gather. Please be advised that the family will not be accepting visitors while we take this time to mourn our grievous loss in private, and we beg your understanding of and compliance with this. We need nothing--no flowers, no food--but if you are so inclined, we would treasure receiving a note telling us a story about our delightful, complicated, funny, talented, multi-faceted Athens. We know he has tales to tell yet, and we want to hear them all.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences. 

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements. 

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