Linda Sheryl Carter was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 24, 1952, the first child born to Flossie and Nolan Carter. Linda Sheryl enjoyed a happy childhood in a working-class neighborhood on Detroit’s West side. Two of her childhood passions – “playing teacher” to a classroom of neighborhood kids and playing music, were precursors of her future journey in life. She initially played flute, then clarinet, and finally string bass, the instrument that she mastered at Cass Technical High School, where she graduated in 1970. Daddy Nolan often commented, “How could someone so small pick the biggest damn instrument!” Well, that string bass and her musical talents enabled her to receive a scholarship to the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a B.A. in Music Education and an M.A. in Education.
Linda Sheryl joined the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) in 1975 and served as a music teacher at several Ann Arbor schools. She loved directing her bands and orchestras and was always a dazzling conductor at school concerts. Later in her career, she was elected to serve as President of the Ann Arbor Education Association, serving multiple terms. As a union boss, President Carter was a strong advocate for her teachers and most importantly, for her students. Linda Sheryl retired from AAPS in 2018 after 43 years.
While small in stature, Linda Sheryl Carter had a big persona. Her smile would illuminate the room. She had a commanding voice that carried without a microphone. Her passions were her students, bowling, biking, University of Michigan sports, her sorority — Delta Sigma Theta, and her family. She also had a fondness for more “colorful” language, sometimes in TV news interviews, which once prompted Momma Flossie to say, “Linda Sheryl Carter, I’m sick of them beeping out half of what you are saying. Clean up that potty mouth!” Linda was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and a friend to many. She is survived by two siblings, Nona Dunigan and Daryl Carter; three nieces and one nephew, Lazette Denise Aikens, Tracie Mayberry, Nathan Carter, and Ava Carter; and many other relatives and friends. She will be missed.
Linda joined the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor in 2019. She served as Chair of the Interact Club of Huron High School and was a volunteer at the “Send Hunger Packing” events.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 4-8pm at Nie Family Funeral Home – Liberty Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. A funeral service will take place Friday, May 3, 2024 at 10:30am with visitation beginning at 9:30am at Nie Family Funeral Home – Liberty Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
