Maria Natalia (Merchan) Carter

Maria Natalia Merchan Carter, 59, of Searcy, passed away February 19, 2019 at Unity Health – White County Medical Center.  She was born October 23, 1959 at Colombia, South America.
Maria Natalia graduated high school at Arauca, Colombia then attended a university in Bogota Colombia, where she obtained her Bachelor’s and CPA.  Moving to the United States, she attended New Hampshire University where she obtained her Master’s in Business; going on to Travis College in Florida, she obtained her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  Maria served in numerous positions in the Colombian government prior to moving to the United States where she served in many positions throughout the medical field, lastly at Octapharma Plasma in North Little Rock.  She was quite fluent in English and Spanish, which served her greatly throughout her career, helping translate for many people.
When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed nature and traveling with her family.  She enjoyed photography, particularly flowers and butterflies, as well as being an avid reader.
She was preceded in death by her father, Angel Merchan; brother, German Merchan; and sister, Rosa Alba Merchan.
She married Kenneth Carter July 22, 2003 at Tyler, Texas; he survives.  She is also survived by a daughter, Carolina Matus of Colorado Springs, Colorado; son, Miguel Carter of Searcy, Arkansas; mother, Carmen Espindola de Merchan; sister, Ligia Merchan; two brothers, Angel and Carlos Merchan all of Colombia, South America.
A memorial visitation will be 6-7:00 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2019 at Sullivan Funeral Care in Kensett.