William Marvin "Bill" Carter, Sr.

Mr. William Marvin Carter, Sr., 85, of Youngstown, transitioned from this earthly labor to his heavenly home on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the Lewis Stokes VA Hospital in Cleveland with his loving family at his side.

            Mr. Carter, affectionately known as “Bill”, was born January 27, 1940 in Youngstown, a son of James B. and Emma Gibson Carter.  He was a 1958 graduate of North High School where he played basketball and made “All City”.  He received his BA and MA degrees in history from Youngstown State University.   He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, the NAACP, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.  Bill enjoyed reading, basketball and was an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

            Bill held several positions with the City of Youngstown: Executive Director of Human Relations, Commissioner of Building and Grounds.  Bill was recognized by Federal and State agencies and the City of Youngstown for his long-term efforts and promotion of Women/minority enterprises.  Mr. Carter was recognized again when he was named “Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year” (1998) by the Cleveland District Office of the Small Business Administration (SBA).  His wife, Jill, worked alongside him for approximately 15 years.  His last employment was Executive Director at YADC (Youngstown Area Development Corporation) where he served for over 20 years, retiring in 2015.  Bill and Jill were the operators of the Southside BMV for 14 years.   He also taught U. S. History and African American Studies at Youngstown State University.  Bill was a U. S. Marine Corp veteran during the Vietnam Era.

            He leaves to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life and legacy, his devoted wife, the former Jill Y. Eley, whom he married December 23, 1979; five children, Barry S. Carter, Benjamin J. Carter, and Randy L. Adams all of Youngstown, William M. (Abigail) Carter Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA and Ricky (Denise) Adams of Liberty; eleven grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; two sisters, Marnette (Eddie) Nelson and Serecia Jean Underwood both of Youngstown; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, church family and friends.

            Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Carter-Snoddy; and his brother Robert Carter.

            Visitation will be Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman Street, Youngstown.  A celebration of life service will follow at 12:00 noon.  Services will be live streamed on the New Bethel Baptist Church facebook page.

            Ministry of comfort, love and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

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