Judith Lione Call McCarter

Judith Lione Call McCarter, more affectionately known as Judy or Grandma Juju, passed away on January 2, 2025, at the age of 80 following a devastating stroke which occurred on December 12, 2024. The stroke occurred suddenly and without warning. Her final moments were peaceful and with members of her family. 

The joy in her life was being with her family and friends; visits with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in person or by phone, were always treasured moments. She devoted her life to serving others and providing time and resources for worthy causes.

She was born on April 7, 1944, in Sacramento, California, to Oriel Daniel (Odie) Call and Ruby Carrell Call. She was their only child and enjoyed growing up with uncles, aunts, and cousins who lived nearby. The only child status changed when her mother Ruby and family opened their home to a boarder, Jack Carter, who eventually became her older brother, and with passage of time, Judy became the auntie for his three children.

In 1962, she graduated from Norte Del Rio High School in Sacramento. There she played the saxophone in the school’s marching band and received a four-year seminary certificate for Leadership and Spiritual Achievement from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then it was off to BYU where in 1966 she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with additional postgraduate credits. At BYU, she was a member of the Student Education Association affiliated with the Utah Education Association and the National Education Association. She also participated in the German Club which came in handy later in life when she visited Austria.

On a summer day in 1966, Judy and three of her roommates traveled to Aspen Grove to participate in the annual Timpanogos hike. Kim McCarter also chose that time to make the summit but found other distractions far more interesting. After a courtship lasting about a year and a half, they were married in the California Oakland Temple and raised a son and daughter in the Sandy, Utah, Hillcrest area.

Judy’s devotion to The Festival of Trees has spanned nearly 50 years. She has served as a member of the Executive Board, Auction Host and volunteer for numerous assignments including the Elf Emporium and Gift Shop and Information Desk. She crafted items at home and attended nearly every workshop preparing gift items for sale to benefit the Primary Children’s Hospital.

Judy’s service to the Church began in her teenage years as a Primary teacher and continued throughout her life. She served the Church in many capacities including Young Women camp leader, Primary President, Relief Society President, and many years of service in the Utah Jordan River Temple. She provided loving care for her mother who moved from California to live in Judy’s home until her passing in 2008. Beginning in 2016, Kim and Judy were privileged to serve as Guest Services Missionaries on Temple Square until that service was suspended by the COVID pandemic of 2020. However, Judy has never stopped serving neighbors and Hillcrest Second Ward members in need of friendship, an encouraging word, a welcoming smile or a compassionate hug.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Kim McCarter, Sandy; son, Garrett McCarter (Chris), Bountiful; daughter Staci (Cole) Meacham, Manti; niece Kathleen (Luther) Nishimura, Sacramento; niece Jeannine (Edward) Chia, Portugal; grandchildren Kelsie (Erik) Manley, Marlie (Michael) Scott, Conner, Blake, Isaac, Riley (Kara), Mallory, and Macy; great grandchildren, Bennett and Howie.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 10, from 6 to 8 pm at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road (10600 S), Sandy, UT. Funeral services will be held January 11 at 1:00 pm in the Pebble Hill Chapel at 8735 S Harvard Park Drive (1035 E), Sandy, UT. Visitation will also be available from 11:30 to 12:30 at the chapel prior to the services. The funeral will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above.

Many thanks are extended to the devoted doctors and compassionate nurses at IHC’s neuro ICU at the Murray, Utah hospital. Donations to Primary Children’s Hospital (in Memory of Judy McCarter) would be welcomed and can be offered by clicking the "In Lieu of Flowers" button above.