Cedrick Carter

Celebrating the Life of Cedrick Conrad Carter

There are some people whose lives leave an imprint that cannot be measured by years alone. Cedrick Conrad Carter was one of those people. A man of deep faith, remarkable musical gifts, genuine compassion, and an unmistakable love for people, Cedrick lived a life that touched hearts, built relationships, and brought people together.

At 66 years old, Cedrick peacefully went home to be with the Lord on September 18, 2026, at his residence in Goodyear, Arizona. In his final moments, he was lovingly surrounded by his wife, children, sister, and caregiver, who remained by his side with love and care as he peacefully entered his eternal rest.

Cedrick was born on September 20, 1959, in Pasadena, California, to Reverend C. Melred Carter and Ruthie Lee Carter. From an early age, there was something unmistakable about him—a gift that seemed to find its way into everything he touched, especially music.

A Gift That Became a Calling

Cedrick began taking piano lessons at just five years old. By the time he was 12, his love and gift for music were impossible to overlook. At his father’s church, Primm Tabernacle AME Church in Pomona, California, he became choir director for both the youth choir and the adult choir.

Music followed him throughout his life. During high school, he served as Drum Major of his high school band. After graduating from Garey High School in Pomona in 1977, he continued his education at Pacific Christian College in Fullerton, California, California State University, Long Beach, and Azusa Pacific University between 1977 and 1980.

While in college, Cedrick founded his own gospel singing group, True Foundation Ministry, and performed many of the songs he had written. What began with a little boy at a piano became a lifelong ministry. For more than 50 years, Cedrick created, taught, directed, and inspired through music. His musical ministry touched countless lives, strengthened churches and ministries, and left an enduring mark throughout the Valley.

A Faith That Shaped His Life

For Cedrick, music was never simply music, and ministry was never simply a title. His relationship with God was the foundation that guided his life.

In 1996, Cedrick married the love of his life, Cassandra (Cleary) Carter. Together, they faithfully served the Lord and, in 2012, co-founded Life Elevation Church in Avondale, Arizona. Cedrick served as Senior Pastor until the Lord called him home.

His ministry extended far beyond the walls of a church. Cedrick had a way of listening that made people feel heard and a way of speaking that made people feel encouraged. He prayed with people, taught them, laughed with them, challenged them, and walked beside them through different seasons of life.

He believed people mattered. Whether standing behind a pulpit, directing a choir, sitting across a table, or sharing a conversation with someone he had just met, Cedrick gave people his attention. He had a genuine interest in their stories and an ability to make even an ordinary moment feel meaningful.

The Joy of Being Cedrick

Cedrick knew how to enjoy life. He loved the beach and the outdoors, finding peace in the beauty of God’s creation. He enjoyed going out to restaurants and had a special talent for finding interesting and unique places. For Cedrick, discovering a new restaurant was never just about the food—it was about the experience, the conversation, and the memories made along the way.

He also loved visiting different coffee shops. Sometimes the coffee was the reason he walked through the door, but often the conversation was what kept him there. He enjoyed meeting new people, hearing their stories, and making new friends.

Cedrick had a style and personality all his own. He enjoyed looking his best and had an appreciation for quality and the latest innovations in technology. He was naturally curious and loved learning about new gadgets, electronics, and the newest iPhones. He enjoyed discovering what was new and sharing that excitement with those around him.

These simple joys were part of the man his family and friends knew—a man who appreciated a good meal, a beautiful day, a familiar song, an unexpected conversation, and something new to discover.

A Family Deeply Loved

Above all, Cedrick treasured the people God placed in his life. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished brother, uncle, pastor, mentor, and friend.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Cassandra Carter; his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Teasha Carter of Surprise, Arizona; his daughter and son-in-law, Crystal Briane and Tyler Donaldson of Mesa, Arizona; his daughter, Mycah Carter of Cincinnati, Ohio; and his daughter, Destiny Carter of Phoenix, Arizona.

He is also lovingly remembered by his brother and sister-in-law, Gregory and Carolyn Burdine-Coakley of Miami, Florida; his sister, Crystal Whitley of Fontana, California; and his seven grandchildren, Gabrial (Allison), Adryan, Sheyna, Kason, Caleb, Hendrixx, and Jaxon.

His nieces, Synthia (Joe) and Sylvia; nephew, Trayvon Johnson; five beloved great-nieces and great-nephews; along with a host of cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends will forever cherish the memories they made with him.

Cedrick was preceded in glory by his parents, Reverend C. Melred Carter and Ruthie Lee Carter; his granddaughter, Presley Rae Carter; and his niece, Marissa Rustin Whitley.

The Notes He Leaves Behind

Some lives are remembered in dates and accomplishments. Cedrick’s life will be remembered in moments.

It will be heard in the music he created and the songs he wrote. It will live in the lessons he taught, the sermons he preached, and the voices he helped develop. It will be found in the friendships that began over coffee, the laughter shared around a restaurant table, the conversations that lasted longer than expected, and the people who walked away from an encounter with Cedrick feeling a little more encouraged than when they arrived.

His journey—from a five-year-old boy learning piano to a musician, teacher, songwriter, choir director, husband, father, grandfather, and pastor—was a life lived with purpose.

Cedrick gave much of himself to others, but he also knew how to enjoy the gift of life. He embraced people, welcomed conversation, pursued new experiences, and remained curious about the world around him.

The greatest story he leaves behind is not simply what he accomplished, but how he made people feel while he was here.

His life was a gift.

His music was a ministry.

His faith was his foundation.

His love was his legacy.

And though his voice is now quiet, the song of his life continues—in his family, in his church, in his music, in his friends, and in every life he touched.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Visitation/Viewing will be held at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 South Litchfield Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85338, USA, on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Visitation will be held at Worship Life Church, 4802 N 59th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85033, on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral Service at Worship Life Church, 4802 N 59th Avenue, Phoenix , AZ 85033, on October 10, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place at Phoenix Memorial Park, 200 W Beardsley Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85027, on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:00 am.