Edward Carter Robertson

Edward Carter Robertson, beloved older son of the late Claron A. Robertson, Jr. and Carolyn A. Robertson, all of North Charleston, South Carolina, went home to join his parents in Heaven on April 7, 2012. He is survived by his brother Claron A. "Rob" Robertson and his wife Martha Ann, of Charleston, South Carolina, and their children and grandchildren.

Carter was born in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia on April 10, 1949. He lived all of his life with his Mother and Father, and traveled widely as an "Army Brat", making friends wherever he went. For all of his almost sixty-three years, he inspired those he met to renounce their problems or limitations, as he did, and to share love, laughter and hope in their stead. Although a special gifts individual from birth, Carter through hard work and determination was a 1970 graduate of Lee High School in Springfield, Virginia, and had a distinguished career in federal civil service in Alexandria, Virginia, where he received every imaginable award and citation for the faithful discharge of his duties. In 1988, he reluctantly but uncomplainingly resigned his position to accompany his parents on their resettlement in North Charleston.

As his parents' health declined, Carter reversed the cycle of loving care that he had received, and became an unfailing fortress of support for them. After his Father's death in 1994 (on the occasion of which Carter delivered a memorable eulogy to a packed funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery), he became his Mother's inseparable companion until her death on January 7, 2011.

Carter stayed in regular communication with his countless friends in the Washington, D.C. area, for many years after relocating to North Charleston, but he wasted no time in building new friendships in South Carolina. Often taking his Mother along, but also independently and with friends, he was a regular and always-welcomed patron of his diverse rotation of favorite restaurants, including California Dreaming, Oscar's, The Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Perkins Pancake House, the Piccadilly and S&S Cafeterias, and Arby's.

Carter was an active member of the downtown Charleston Earlybirds Toastmasters Club, now known as Earlybirds Speakeasy Club #1, for 24 years. He served as President of the Club for at least three different terms, and was named "Man of the Year" three times. He routinely excelled in the Club's regular weekly competitions, virtually retiring the "Best Tabletopics" (impromptu speaking) ribbon with his spontaneous , insightful and whimsical answers to questions that often stumped veteran public speakers.

Carter was a faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville for twenty-four years, and an enthusiastic participant in worship and Sunday School. His unshakeable belief, and certainty of salvation, sustained him through life's travails and tribulations, and his example of Christian faith, love, tolerance and unselfishness was an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to be his friends.

When his Mother Lynn's failing health mandated a move into an assisted living facility, Carter cheerfully moved with her, and instantly became a cheerleader and good luck charm for the residents and staff. When she passed away fourteen months ago, he made a characteristically fearless effort to live independently, returning to the family home at The Elms Plantation with his devoted caregiver, Ms. Beverly Fritz. With Beverly's unflagging assistance, Carter lived out the last year of his life with a full and happy agenda of social interactions with his friends and his Church, never missing his starring role every Thursday morning at the Earlybirds Speakeasy Club.

Carter's declining health, and protracted hospitalization in December 2011, sadly required his relocation to Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation Center in Summerville, where he was lovingly cared for by his many new friends. No effort was spared to assure the comfort and dignity of his final days, and he returned to his Creator with an awareness that he had loved and been loved, and was on his way to Heaven, which in The End, are the only things that matter.

The family would like to thank all of Carter's innumerable friends and the Bethany United Methodist Clergy and family for their affection and support. Thank you to the Doctors and Nurses of Trident Regional Hospital, who capably and warmly cared for Carter on many occasions. Special recognition is due to the administration and staff of the Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation Center, who represent everything fine and noble in the service of the ageing and distressed. Finally, the family will never forget the devotion and loving care of Beverly Fritz, and her family and friends who pitched in when needed, who enriched Carter's last years, and ours, immeasurably.

"Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant"

There will be a funeral service at Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville, South Carolina on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 (Carter's 63rd birthday!) at 11:00 a.m., with a reception immediately following the service at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Special Needs Ministry of Bethany United Methodist Church, 118 West Third South Street, Summerville, SC 29483.

Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL.

A memorial message may be written to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.