Dru Ann Carter was born on January 8, 1957 in North Hollywood, CA to Vernon and Dorothy Lankford. She attended Francis Polytechnic High School where she graduated in 1974.
Of the things that mattered most to Dru, family was definitely at the top of the list. She wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to family and she would light up whenever she talked about them. On June 26, 1982, Dru married her husband Larry Carter. Their union produced two children, Andrew and Lauren. “Juice,” as she was affectionately known to the family was often the glue and backbone that held everyone together.
Anyone that was fortunate to have a personal relationship with Dru knew how big her heart was and that she always had your best interest at hand. Dru touched so many people with her kind and authentic spirit. She had a genuine love of people, and could sit and talk to anyone for hours.
Along with family, her hobbies included: gardening, traveling, and spending time with her dog Grady.
Dru is survived by her husband Larry, her children Andrew and Lauren, her extended family and friends, and of course her dog Grady.
To the one my heart bleeds for, because I know that
I will never see those beautiful blue eyes again.
The years we spent together were the best years of my life.
Void, empty, hollow inside
My dreams have fled, my hopes have died.
You were my life, my hope, my love
All is gone, passed by thereof
The hurt is such no one should bear
What’s to life, why should I care?
I love you Dru……
~ Larry
Mom I just want to thank you for making me the man I am today. You taught me so much about life. There are so many memories that I will always have of us. You were my best friend and biggest fan. You were one of the few people that got my sense of humor and you always helped me stay positive regardless of the situation. I love you and will miss you so much!
~ Andrew
My mom, better known to us as “Juice” was the most amazing woman I have ever known. Saying that she was the strongest person I have ever met is an understatement. Her strength and courage were incredible, and she never once complained about ANYTHING. My mom’s positive outlook and caring manner were contagious to everyone she encountered. Every time she would walk into a room it was like she lit it up with her pretty blue eyes and inviting smile. I hope that one day I can be an amazing friend, wife, and mother just like she was. She will be loved and missed dearly in all of our hearts.
~ Lauren
June 26th, 2011 at 2:04 am
I LOVE YOU DRUSKI! I KNOW YOU WERE TIRED SO NOW YOU CAN REST WELL…TRICE
June 28th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
How I wish I could have just one more of our special lunches. One more holiday. One more birthday celebration. One more trip to Vegas in the condo (smile). It’s so true that you have to love love love people you care about because in the blink of an eye they can be taken away. I miss you more than you could ever know. I don’t think a day passes where I don’t think about you a bazillion times. I am so blessed and thankful for the memories of you. Sometimes I laugh. Often I cry. Love you and miss you dearly Juice!
July 7th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
MAMMA JUICE! i love you soo much and i will never forget you treating me like your own, i miss you and you will always be in my heart. I am so grateful that i had the time i spent with and around you <3
<3 forever in my heart
October 24th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
I am so deeply saddened by the news of Dru! I had been trying to track her down on the internet for the last year or so because she was on my mind. We had lost touch and with her parents and my parents gone, I didn’t know where to start.
I grew up with Dru in North Hollywood. Bode, Dot and Dru lived across the street from my family. We would run over to each other’s house and play all day. I have fond memories of getting the giggles and laughing ourselves silly. Birthday parties, playing jacks, riding our bikes and games in the street…
My family moved away to San Jose when I was in the 6th grade. Dru and I cried and cried, thinking we would never see each other again. Of course we did, once or twice, before she married you Larry. I remember how happy she was and how much she loved you! I’m sorry to say I lost contact with her after that, but think it’s neat we both have Lauren’s
You had a wonderful idea doing this memorial. I feel blessed that I got to see her, her family, and her love for you all. God bless you all.