Elaine Jones Carter was the most courageous woman and wonderful mother anyone had the pleasure of meeting. Elaine, 57 passed away on October 7th, 2015 in her home with her family and friends around her. She was born in Meridian, Mississippi on December 1st 1957. She was born to Helen Joanne Jones and Hal L Jones Jr. She grew up in the Arlington area and graduated from Terry Parker High School. Later Elaine attended Florida State University and was an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in marketing. After graduating Elaine went on to work for Burroughs Computer Corporation in sales and quickly rose to become manager of a sales branch. After 9 years there, Elaine was burned out on fighting the internal politics of a corporation. Looking for a way out, she decided to start her own business. The availability of government programs to help minority contractors, including women, encouraged Elaine to try construction. Her father, Hal encouraged her to follow her dream and Petticoat was born. She chose the name because it was catchy and would signify that the company was owned by a woman. With enough knowledge to be dangerous, her life savings, and a business mind, Petticoat Contracting was off and running. Following her father's advice, she surrounded herself with experienced, highly motivated people. Elaine gained respect from her competitors and became the chair of the Coalition Construction Industry of Northeast Florida. She became vice president and later president of the Utility Contractors Association of North Florida. Elaine served on the board of directors of the First Bank of Jacksonville and served on the board of directors for the Jacksonville Humane Society. Aside from her love to work Elaine had a passion for rescuing animals. There were many instances where Elaine picked up stray dogs off several job sites if she felt they were not getting the loving care they deserved. She partook in the annual Fur Ball Gala & Auction many years and spent many weekends volunteering in local animal shelters. Elaine was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease in 2006. Due to Elaine's illness, Petticoat Contracting, Inc. (PCI) completed all contracts and the construction side of PCI was closed. Petticoat-Schmitt, a new and now successful company, was formed with a new owner and former PCI employees. Elaine is preceded in death by her mother, Helen Jones. She is survived by her daughter Kally Joanne Carter, her father Hal Jones Jr., her brother Hal Jones III, her sister-in-law Mary Jones, her niece Lindsay Jones, her nephew Jason Jones, her aunts Janet Bender, Hally Krogh (Dan), Cay Rollo, and Sarajane Brock. Elaine's viewing will be held on Sunday October 11th from 5-7 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. The funeral will follow on Monday October 12th at 11 at the Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256. The family would like to give a special thanks to her wonderful caregivers, Robin Buscher, Martha Schaffer, Laura Flynn, Anna Sharpe, Sarai Marrero, and Kay Lynch for all the love they showed