Mary Lynne Carter, retired English teacher

Mary Lynne Carter, a retired Amherst Junior High School English teacher, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2007.

The former Mary Lynne Stevens, 78, was born in Elmira and grew up in Mansfield, Pa. She was a graduate of Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

She began her teaching career in New Jersey and later taught in Pembroke and LeRoy. She then joined the faculty at Amherst Central Junior High School where she taught for more than 25 years.

Mrs. Carter taught ninth-grade English and creative writing and founded "Ventures," the school's literacy magazine.

"She felt creative writing helped bring out students' feelings," said her daughter, Stephanie. "The literacy magazine was a way for them to express themselves beyond what was found in the standard curriculum."

An Amherst resident, she worked as an election inspector and was active in the local Democratic party.

Mrs. Carter also worked as a proofreader for Bee Group Newspapers, applying her vast knowledge of the language to news and feature stores, as well as editorials and columns.

In addition to her daughter, she is survived by her former husband, Kenneth; and two brothers, Winfield and Winthrop, both of Mansfield.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5 at the Beach-Tuyn Funeral Home, 5541 Main St., Williamsville.