For Jessica Carter, running Carter’s Florist & Nursery is a way to connect to her grandparents who, in 1968, started the Conroe business that her grandmother, Gladys, remained involved with well into her 90s.
“She loved the community, the flowers and what she did every day,” said Carter, 39, who runs the business now with help from her parents “Little Dempsey” and Kay, her siblings and other family members.
The business, which has been serving the community’s floral needs for 57 years, received a Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission. State Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, recently presented the award to members of the Carter family.
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‘She had a passion for this’
Fenton “Dempsey” Carter and Gladys Carter, Carter’s grandparents, have both died but their impact is still felt at the florist and nursery and Carter is connected to them through the business today. Dempsey died in 1986 when Carter was just six months old.
Gladys died at age 96 in April 2024. Kay Carter, 61, credits Gladys’ longevity with coming to the florist and nursery every day until six weeks before her death.
“He was here during the day and my grandmother worked for the post office in the mornings and she came in the afternoons,” Jessica said. “They saw a need for something in our community and they enjoyed it. My grandfather enjoyed being outside. My grandmother loved the floral aspect of it. She had a passion for this.”
Her obituary also credits her family, the Texas A&M football team, a cold Miller Lite, Blue Bell ice cream and having a purpose each day with living to 96 years.
A family legacy expanded
Jessica’s father, “Little Dempsey,” worked at the florist and nursery since he was a boy as well. Through the years they’ve made upgrades and added special events like having Santa and the Easter Bunny visits. They also have floral design classes for the public.
“There are little things we’ve built on (over the years),” Jessica said. The nursery side ceased about 20 years ago so Jessica’s dad could focus more on their tree farm business.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica began spending more time with plants and in the garden and felt compelled to bring the nursery back for others like her who found solace in the outdoors.
“As a kid I was obsessed with Southern Living magazine. I’ve always loved a pretty yard,” Jessica said. “There’s also just something about digging in dirt that makes you feel better.”
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About the Texas Treasure Award
The program honors Texas’ well-established businesses and their historical contributions to the state, according to a Texas Historical Commission explanation of the program.
Since 2005, over 500 Texas businesses have been recognized for their historical significance. Well-known Texas establishments like H-E-B and Bill Miller BBQ are highlighted as well as small-town bakeries, florists, general stores and more than have been in business for 50 years or more.
Clarence Lewis & Son Mortuary was the first Montgomery County business to receive a Texas Treasure award in April 2024. It has been in business since 1973.
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