On March 20, 1948, Richard Michael Carter, the oldest of three siblings, was born in Columbus, Ohio, to Ruth and Richard Carter. His two siblings were Robin Carter Thomas and Robert Matthew Carter (deceased). During Michael’s formative years, his family lived in several different locations due to his father’s work as an executive director with the YMCA. Although he frequently went by his middle name, Michael, those who knew him during his younger years fondly remember him as “Lil Jabbo,” while his father, Richard, was known as “Big Jabbo.”

Because of his father’s career, Michael never remained in one city or state for more than a few years at a time. Regardless of where the family lived, the Carter home was filled with love, spirituality, humor, and a strong work ethic. Michael’s close relationship with his father and his exposure to the work he did undoubtedly influenced him and helped develop his natural ability to care for others and connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Michael’s love for life and his sense of adventure was also shaped by the incredible opportunity to travel overseas to Europe while he was a teenager. He visited several countries, including Italy, England, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, including Amsterdam. These experiences broadened his perspective and added to the appreciation he had for people, culture, and life.

Michael graduated from high school in Seattle, Washington, and went on to attend Findlay College in Findlay, Ohio. It was there that he met Linda Alexander of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The two quickly became a couple and, several years later, married and moved to Philadelphia.

In Philadelphia, Michael and Linda began their family and welcomed their son, Michael Lewis Carter. After living in Philadelphia for several years, the family of three relocated to Willingboro, New Jersey. Soon after settling in Willingboro, Michael and Linda welcomed their second child, a daughter named Mika Lynn Carter.

Michael’s upbringing and his natural ability to connect with others served him well in his career as a social worker in Philadelphia. For nearly two decades, particularly throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he dedicated himself to improving the lives of countless young people throughout the Philadelphia area. His compassion, personality, and genuine concern for others made a lasting impact on the youth he served and the people with whom he worked. Several of those relationships grew into lifelong friendships.

In addition to his work as a social worker, Michael always found time for the things that mattered most to him. During his son’s formative years, he coached both basketball and baseball, creating memories that would remain with his family for years to come.

After Michael and Linda divorced, he remained connected to his son, Lewis, and his daughter, Mika, throughout his years of relocation, first to California and eventually back to his home state of Ohio. No matter where life took him, Michael continued to maintain meaningful relationships with the people he loved.

Those who knew Michael will remember his quick wit, spontaneous dance moves, infectious personality, and his ability to have a good time. He could make people laugh, bring energy to any gathering, and create memories that lasted long after the moment had passed.

Even after the onset of dementia, Michael’s loving spirit remained. His personality and warmth continued to shine through, and he remained loving and supportive of his family until he was called home on July 29, 2026.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

His son, Michael Lewis Carter, and his wife, Jamila Carter, and their three children, Michael’s grandchildren: Layla Carter, Nigel Carter, and Morgan Carter.

His daughter, Mika Lynn Fields, and her husband, Lee Fields, and their two children, Michael’s grandchildren: Myles Fields and Leya Fields.

His sister, Robin Carter Thomas, and her husband, Clyde Thomas; their children, Michael’s niece, Clyia Thomas Coaxum, and her husband, Kofi Coaxum, and their three children, Kayin Coaxum, Karys Coaxum, and Kyncade Coaxum; and Michael’s nephew, Cameroun Thomas.

Richard Michael Carter’s presence could light up a room. His life was filled with adventure, laughter, music, and a genuine love for people. From an early age, Michael was bright, funny, caring, and sometimes wonderfully silly. He had a spirit of adventure that stayed with him throughout his life. Michael loved anything that gave him an opportunity to be active, especially swimming.

Michael—the father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend—will always be loved and cherished by his family. He will be deeply missed by everyone whose life he touched. His lasting legacy is found in the countless impressions he left on the people he encountered throughout his life.

We will miss you, Lil Jabbo.

Rest peacefully.

There will be a graveside service held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 12pm at Greenlawn Cemetery located at 1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43223. There will be a short viewing at Diehl Whittaker Funeral Service at 11am to 1145pm.