Mary Alice Cottam Carter

Mary Alice Cottam Carter, age 79, of South Jordan, Utah, returned to her heavenly home on Saturday, January 10, 2026. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family.

Mary was born in St. George, Utah, on October 15, 1946, to Charles Walter and Ruth Shepherd Cottam. She was the third of four children and had nine additional half-siblings. She largely grew up without a mother, having lost her to cancer at the age of ten.

Mary graduated from Dixie High School and attended Dixie College, excelling at both math and shorthand. As a young woman, she held a paid clerical position in The St. George Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also worked as a typist for noted Utah historian Juanita Brooks. Bookkeeping then became her primary occupation throughout her life.

She married Lloyd C. Carter on July 22, 1966, in St. George, Utah; the marriage later ended in divorce. They had seven children together: Brian, Bradley, Melissa, Benjamin, Michael, Kristin, and Angela.

Music was a central part of Mary’s life, and she shared her love of song by directing her church congregation's music for many years.

Mary enjoyed traveling to visit her children and grandchildren, as well as returning to her favorite destinations, Ireland and the Oregon Coast.

Everywhere she went, Mary made friends. She lived alone for many years but was surrounded by a community of neighbors and friends who assisted her and made her life more fulfilling. In her final years, she shared messages of faith and hope with all whom she met.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her nine half-siblings, and two children, Brian and Melissa.

She is survived by five children: Bradley Carter (Lara); Benjamin Carter (Soomee); Michael Carter; Kristin Andrews (Jack); and Angela Elmore (Adam); ten grandchildren; and her siblings Emily Godfrey (Gary), William Cottam (Elizabeth), and Catherine Stucki.

Mary would want to be remembered for her faith. In her memory, she would hope others would look for miracles in their own lives.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Eastlake 5th Ward chapel at 11038 Braidwood Drive, South Jordan, Utah. A viewing will be held at the church from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23. A private interment will take place at the St. George City Cemetery.

To view the recorded service, please click on the Watch Services button above.