James A. Carter, Sr.

Deacon James A. Carter, Sr. (“Sonny Boy”) was triumphantly called to his Father’s house on Thursday evening, February 12, 2026 at Henrico Doctors Hospital. Deacon Carter was born to the late Hazel (“Doll”) Carter on December 25, 1933. The lover of his soul reunited him with his beloved wives, Alberta Winston Carter and Marvene Brown Carter, and son, Reginald K. Snead.

Deacon Carter grew up in the Old Church community of Mechanicsville. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mount Zion Baptist Church where for 79 years he remained a faithful and devoted servant until his health declined.  He was ordained to the Diaconate Ministry in 1996 and served as chairman from 2008 to 2014. The honor of  “Deacon Emeritus” was bestowed upon him in March 2023.

Left to cherish his life and legacy are his sons, James A. Carter, Jr. (Katheryn), Bobby D, Snead, Jr. (Janet), Michael A, Carter, Sr. (Patricia), and Rodney A. Carter; daughter-in-love, E. Lurine D. Snead; grand and great-grandchildren, Michael A. Carter, Sr., Akita Carter, Janae’ A. Carter, James A. Carter, III, Michael A. Carter, Jr., Tiana Carter, Dallas A. Carter,  Megan Snead, Aaron Ledford (Lauren Cregg); Makiyah Carter, Michael A. Carter, Jr., Michael A. Carter, III, Jaesiah Carter, Kemonio Parnell, Rayne Snead, Jolene Ledford, Charlie Ledford, Everly Cregg, Liam Cregg; devoted and beloved companion, Marian Baber; brother and sister-in-laws, Phyllis Fletcher, Purcell Brown (Annette), Gloria Brown, Dennis Brown, Allen Brown (Janet); cherished cousins, Constance Lynn, Denise Willoughby, Wayne Rustin, Jerome Coles (Seselia); adopted daughter, Rev. Zita Lee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved Mount Zion Baptist Church family.

Deacon Carter has worn many hats throughout the years. A successful radio host and executive, an energetic master of ceremony and entrepreneur, but his greatest success is that of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and child of the King..

A memorial service celebrating the life and legacy Deacon James A.  Carter, Sr.  will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 12 noon at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 2371 Piping Tree Ferry Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring his faithful service, loving spirit, and lasting impact. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Mount Zion Baptist Church.

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5004 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA.