Jana Kae Carter

Jana Kae Carter, 67, of Plains, Georgia, died January 2, 2026, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love and unwavering dedication.

Born November 6, 1958, Jana was the second of six children born to Sybil Carter and the late Billy Carter of Plains. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Jana lived in and loved her hometown of Plains her entire life. She believed deeply in showing up, keeping her word and giving her all in everything she did.

Jana loved fun and lived life with humor, honesty and heart. She faced hardship with remarkable strength and unwavering resolve. For many years, she fought cancer with extraordinary courage and perseverance, continuing to show up for others even when her own journey was difficult. Her strength inspired all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her kindness has left a lasting mark.

A 1976 graduate of Tri-County High School, Jana attended South Georgia Technical College and worked in accounting and payroll at Magnolia Manor Americus, Mulcoa Andersonville and, for the last 10 years, ERTH Products LLC near Plains. For many years, she also spent nights and weekends working at Mercer Medical and the Buffalo Café in Plains. Hard work was not just something Jana did – it was part of who she was.

Jana loved fiercely and protected those she loved without hesitation. She was generous and compassionate and possessed a strength that was both quiet and bold. The joy of becoming ‘Shug’ to granddaughter Harper in 2024 was one of her life’s greatest blessings.

In addition to her daddy, Jana was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lillian and Earl Carter and Lucille and William Spires, all of Plains; a grandson, William Lamar Carter; and a granddaughter, Braylen Joni Carter.

She is survived by her son, Billy Carter, of Plains; her daughters, Cameron Carter Hebert (Christian), of Americus, and Cassie Branum (Tommy), of Alabama; her grandchildren, Harper Layne Hebert and Donnie Lee Branum; her mother, Sybil Carter, of Plains; siblings, Kim Carter Fuller (Mark), of Plains, Buddy Carter (Marlene), of Franklin, TN, Marle Carter Usry (Jody), of Byron, Mandy Carter Flynn (Mike) of Columbus, and Earl Carter of Plains; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and devoted friends and colleagues.

You will be forever missed by so many, Jana. WLYTG.

Jana requested that a formal service not be held. If you feel so inclined, please honor this remarkable woman with a donation in her name to Oncology services at Phoebe Sumter in Americus. You may visit their website at https://phoebehealth.com/locations/phoebe-sumter-medical-center/phoebe-sumter-foundation/ or call 229-931-1300.

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Jana Kae Carter.