Laura Carter

Laura Evangeline Rodriguez Carter was born April 23, 1981, in Houston, Texas. The first child of J’Ann and Jim, Laura grew up in Texas and Arkansas before her family settled in San Antonio. A thoughtful and curious student, she graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1999 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Texas State University. At the time of her passing she was pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio and was preparing to begin a new semester.

Laura is remembered for her bright light and infectious laughter. Friends and family recall her open heart and the small, everyday joys she loved: riding her bicycle in Southtown along the San Antonio River with her beloved chihuahua Juanie tucked in the front basket, participating in community life through her church and camps, and the close bonds she kept with family members across generations. Those who knew her remember a woman whose presence lifted others and who treasured relationships with parents, her sister Hannah, and many cousins and friends.

She was proud of her heritage and family roots, which trace back to early Texas ancestors; she and her family maintained ties to those traditions as members of local historical and community groups. Her graduate program community honored her memory with a candlelight vigil, a testament to the warmth and regard in which she was held by classmates and mentors.

Laura is survived by her parents, James (Jim) Carter and J’Ann Rodriguez-Carter; her sister, Hannah E. R. Carter; extended family including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends who became like family. She was preceded in death by grandparents James E. Carter Sr., James J. Rodriguez, and Winifred G. Rodriguez.

Those who loved Laura remember her for the light she brought into ordinary days, her laughter, and the small acts of kindness that marked her life. A memorial service was held at Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio on January 24, 2015. Though her life was cut short, the memories of Laura’s warmth, curiosity, and compassion continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.