By the family

Feb. 7, 2024: Born Sharlyn Emily Reaves on March 14, 1929, she was the daughter of an army chaplain who throughout Sharlyn's childhood moved his family to military bases and congregations across the southern United States. In all Sharlyn attended nine high schools and still managed to graduate in three years, but not before having met her life partner, John Mack Carter, at Murray High School in Murray, Kentucky. They wed when he was twenty and she nineteen, and so began their sixty-six year adventure together that concluded with his passing nine years ago.

John Mack's career steered the two southerners to the northeast, and his work in New York City allowed Sharlyn, after careful consideration, to settle their young family in nearby Bronxville. After a lifetime of transience she knew she'd found in Bronxville the home that had heretofore eluded her. She established resolute roots, and it was here she lived out her forever.

In Bronxville the Carters raised two children and Sharlyn gave generously to her family and her community. She was possessed of tireless energy, passion and commitment as was evidenced in everything upon which she set her sights. She volunteered in the Bronxville school in a multitude of capacities, she was involved in the Bronxville Reformed Church, and she served on various nonprofit boards. An asset to every board, she was well-positioned to raise awareness of the needs of her adopted organizations, and she was instrumental in raising money to fund their good works. She and her late husband took great pride in establishing the John Mack and Sharlyn Carter Family Foundation so as to endow an assortment of nonprofits and scholarships.

Sharlyn's was a life well lived. She loved deeply, traveled extensively and read profusely. She enjoyed cooking and regularly shared her culinary creations with gatherings of family and friends. She opened her home and her heart to anyone who might be struggling, be it financially or emotionally. And lastly, for her a house was not a home without music and a dog.

In addition to her husband, Sharlyn was predeceased by her parents, John and Ruedell Reaves and her sister, Carolyn Grant. Sharlyn is survived by her children, daughter Jonna and son-in-law Scott Leavitt and son John Mack II and daughter-in-law Victoria, four grandchildren, John Mack III and Christina Carter and Kathleen and Christopher Low, and four great-grandchildren, Oliver, Wilder and Luna Adams and Clara Low, as well as beloved nieces and nephews.

Sharlyn is also survived by her devoted team of caregivers -- Francisco, Martha, Evadne, Amanda and Victoria -- who have been with her and accommodated her every need for the past five years.

A visitation will be held at The McGrath Funeral Home in Bronxville, NY on Saturday, February 10 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held March 14 -- her 95th birthday -- with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers we know Sharlyn would have requested donations to her beloved nonprofit, Andrus, advocating for and providing services for children and families who have suffered adversity. To give a gift in Sharlyn's name, please visit them at andrus1928.org where you can donate online or find their mailing address.