Reflecting on the Life of

Helena "Sue" (Carter) Alves

On August 18,1932, Helena "Sue" Alves was born in the city of Brockton, Massachusetts, to the late Mrs. Ordis (Harris) Carter and Mr. Harold Carter. She was the second of four children.

Sue had a deep rooted religious background. Her maternal grandfather, Charles Harris, was among the charter members of Messiah Baptist Church and her paternal grandfather, Joseph Carter, served as a Deacon. Following in their footsteps, Sue joined the church at a young age. She was an active church member throughout her life, serving on various boards and committees, including, the Advisory Board, Church Clerk, the Trustee Board, Women's Fellowship, the Jubilee Credit Union, the Book Store, and the Missionary Society. She loved Messiah and worked tirelessly to make the church an effective and productive part of the community.

Upon graduation from Brockton High School, she worked at AT&T (aka/MA Bell), retiring at the age of 62. Sue was a community activist, dedicated to the NAACP, and the Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC). She encouraged seniors to join the Brockton Senior Center to make certain they did not feel isolated or alone. Sue's commitment to education informed her decision to be a founding member of Citizens Concerned About Education (CCAE), an organization that provided scholarships to students from elementary school to college.

Throughout her life, she never stepped out without feeling dressed to the 9s, jewelry and all. Along with her lively and extroverted personality, she made long-lasting friendships, some of which started at the Carver Club. She enjoyed entertaining, playing cards, and bowling. Sue shared her love of ice cream and sweets with her granddaughter Melissa.

She lived a full life, engaging in extensive travel throughout the United States as well as world-wide. She was always spreading love, kindness and laughter (the one liners and quips were never-ending) with everyone she encountered. Her endless amount of spoons and collectibles were reminders of trips taken and gifts received. She had a heart of gold, a soul of compassion and was overly generous – a memory that will live forever in all of us.

Sue is lovingly missed by her daughters Susan (Penny) Gurley of Brockton, and Doreen (Gurley) Lindsay of Stoughton, MA; her granddaughters Tanya Walker (Anthony) of Texas and Melissa Lindsay of California, cousins Wendell B. Harris, Jr., of Michigan and Doctors Hobart Harris (Rita) of California; and great-granddaughters Jordan and Brooklyn Walker of Texas. Her childhood friend, Doris Evans of Brockton, in addition to other family, church members and friends who loved Sue and will forever treasure her memories.

She is now comfortably resting with the Lord and with family who preceded her in death: late husband, Joseph (George) Alves; sisters: June and Betty Lou Carter; and her brother, Harold (Sunny) Carter.

We were blessed to have her as a special part of our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Messiah Baptist Church Capital Fund Campaign in Mrs. Alves' honor.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, August 19th from 10:00-11:00 AM in Messiah Baptist Church, 80 Legion Parkway, Brockton followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Melrose Cemetery, Brockton.