Lafayette, LA - Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am in Zion Travelers Baptist Church in New Roads, Louisiana, for LaRhonda "LuLu" Carter, age 40, who passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

The family requests that visitation be observed at Zion Travelers Baptist Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:00 am until the time of service. Interment will follow in Mason Chapel Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her family.

Reverend Larry J. Oliver, Sr., Pastor of Royal Oak Baptist Church in Lettsworth, Louisiana, will conduct the funeral service, joined by Reverend Isiah Nelson, Pastor of Zion Travelers Baptist Church in New Roads; Reverend Kelvin Morris, Pastor of Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Batchelor; Reverend Dr. Lionel Davis, Pastor of Fairlane Baptist Church in New Roads; and Reverend Willie Morris, Pastor of New Bethel House of Hope in Houston.

She leaves to cherish her memories her beloved son, Kingston J. Carter; her parents, Mr. Herbert Carter, Sr. and Mrs. Florence Hartford Carter; three brothers, LeRone Carter, LeRonger Carter, and Marlcom Carter; her sister, Tameka Jordan; three aunts, Bernice (George) Keller, Viola (John) Greenhouse, and Janice (Richard) Morris; ten uncles, Leon (Margaret) Carter, Napoleon (Betty) Carter, Isiah (Gale) Carter, Clement (Judy) Carter, Larry Hartford, Lonary Hartford, Earnest Hartford, Darnell Hartford, Sr., Leslie (Bessie) Hartford, and William Hartford; seven nieces, Ebone, Tyrianna, Trinidy, Raela, Kennedi, India, and Diamond Carter; one great-niece, Tiana; one great-nephew, Titan; her godparents, Huey and Angela Pursley; two godchildren, Mikaiyah Joseph and Iyana Brown; a very good friend, Jalessa Dixon; siblings-in-love, Joel Lemoine and Destine Woods; and a host of cousins, relatives, friends, and employees.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Herbert Carter, Sr. and Mattie Carter, and Eddie Hartford, Sr. and Harriet Hartford; four uncles, Forest Carter, Eddie Hartford, Jr., Alton Hartford, and Alvin Hartford; and five aunts, Beatrice Carter, Patsie Hartford, Lola Hartford, Marion Hartford, and Pearl Hartford.

LaRhonda "LuLu" Carter was born on March 29, 1985, in Metairie, Louisiana, to Herbert and Florence Carter, Jr. She departed this life and entered eternal rest on December 30, 2025, at the age of 40. Though her life was far too brief, LuLu's impact was deep, lasting, and filled with purpose.

LuLu accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Mary Baptist Church in Lettsworth, Louisiana. She was a member of Royal Oak Baptist Church and frequently visited Our Savior's Church in Lafayette. Much of her childhood was spent surrounded by family-moving joyfully from house to house, especially those of her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she deeply loved. She shared a special bond with her grandmothers, Harriet and Mattie, and cherished time with her cousins Darren and Carolyn Wells. From an early age, LuLu's creativity was evident. She loved fashion and styling, often dressing and styling her Barbie dolls, and she developed a lifelong love for sports, especially basketball, spending countless hours practicing and preparing for the next opportunity.

LuLu was a 2003 graduate of Pointe Coupee Central High School, where she excelled both academically and athletically. She was a standout student and athlete, serving as captain of the dance team and the basketball team, while also participating in volleyball and track and field. Her talent earned her a basketball scholarship to LSU Eunice and a track and field scholarship to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She chose to continue her education at LSU Eunice, where she continued to shine as a determined and driven young woman.

An adventurous spirit at heart, LuLu loved to travel and explore the world. She visited many countries, always seeking inspiration, meaningful connections, and new ventures. Her travels reflected her love for beauty, culture, and life itself.

Family was the center of LuLu's world. She shared her home with her parents, caring for them with love and devotion, ensuring they enjoyed comfort, joy, and full lives. She shared an unbreakable bond with her twin, LeRone, united by creativity, fashion, and trends, and a close bond with her younger brother, LeRonger, through their shared passion for luxury cars and time spent together. LuLu opened her heart and home to family, played an active role in caring for loved ones, and spoiled her nieces with love, gifts, and travel. She was deeply loved, and she loved just as deeply in return.

Those who knew LuLu will always remember her radiant presence. She was described as a light in every room-warm, genuine, and welcoming. To her family, she was loyal, protective, and the heartbeat of every gathering. To her friends, she was trustworthy, steadfast, and always present. Her ability to make others feel seen and valued was one of her greatest gifts.

Above all, LuLu's greatest joy was her son, Kingston. Motherhood was her proudest role, and she devoted her heart to creating a life filled with love, adventure, and unforgettable memories for him. Together, they traveled near and far, celebrated life's milestones in grand ways, and shared countless everyday moments made special by her care. Her love for Kingston was unwavering and remains her most cherished legacy.

LuLu was a successful entrepreneur whose vision shaped businesses and community spaces throughout Louisiana. Her ventures included clothing boutiques, hair salons, barbershops, social establishments, and real estate investments. One of her most well-known businesses, Bliss Cocktail Lounge-affectionately known as "Bliss"-became a beloved gathering place in the community. The phrase "Bliss Me," meaning "Blessed Me," was commonly used by patrons to describe the joy and connection they experienced there. She later opened French 75 in the Lafayette area, another popular venue where people came together to celebrate life's milestones.

In addition to her hospitality ventures, LuLu was a dedicated real estate investor known for her eye for design and renovation. Most recently, she was appointed coordinator for Hub City Plaza, formerly Northgate Mall in Lafayette, where she was entrusted with helping restore and reimagine the space into new opportunities for local businesses. She was a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs, working to support fair policies and mentoring others toward success. Her leadership, creativity, and generosity left a lasting mark on her community.

LuLu's life was one of vision, love, and light. Though gone too soon, her legacy lives on through her son, her family, the businesses she built, and the countless lives she touched. Her memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and strength to all who knew and loved her.

Pallbearers will be Earnest Hartford, Darnell Hartford, Jr., Eddie Franklin, Kiniski Morris, Rogerick Gill, Delvin Herbert, and Antonio Senegal.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Kingston J. Carter, Herbert Carter, Jr., LeRone Carter, LeRonger Carter, Joel Lemoine, Marlcom Carter, Titan Epps, Leon Carter, Napoleon Carter, Isiah Carter, Clement Carter, Ervin Hartford, Larry Hartford, Lonary Hartford, Darnell Hartford, Sr., Leslie Hartford, William Hartford, Richard Morris, Terrence Hartford, Paris Honore, Sr., Brandski Baldin, Titan Hartford, Develin Hartford, Eric Hartford, Saveion Long, Donovan Franklin, Isiah Carter, Jr., Kennan Ivory, Clement Carter, Jr., Peyton Beckley, Cameron Hartford, Desean Hebert, Delvin Hebert, Christopher Hebert, DeWayne Hartford, Travon Prater, Shane Ellis, Ben Brown, Jadale Guillory, John Greenhouse, George Keller, Sr., and George Keller, Jr.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing."

-2 Timothy 4:7-8

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille Funeral Home - SOUTHSIDE, 600 E. Farrel Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, 337-984-2811