Carter Erick Buffum

Carter Erick Buffum, 1/20/2009 - 5/19/2016, Jackson, Carter Erick Buffum, 7, of Jackson, MI, our precious son traded in his super hero cape for his angel wings on May 19th, 2016 at 5:20 p.m. in the arms of his mother, Sierra Buffum with his daddy, Joshua Buffum by his side. Carter joined our family on January 20, 2009. Carter didn't lose his battle to Mitochondrial Disease, he found healing in the arms of his belated grandparents Jacelyn and Gary Buffum and Godmother Terri Salyer in heaven. Carter will always be remembered by his beautiful smile that could light a room and his contagious rolling giggles. Carter may not have spoken many words, but the impact that he had on the world spoke volumes. He was his happiest when in water listening to music. He spent the first 3 years of his life living in Pensacola, FL with his parents and big sister KayLeigh (11) where he made many great friends and started his journey with therapies and testing. When he was 3 years old, he became a big brother to his sister LilyAna (4) and moved back to Michigan to be near family, his wonderful school (Lyle Torrant Center) and Mott Children's Hospital. When Carter was 6 years old, he became a big brother again to his sister Nola Hope (1). One thing Carter knew better than anything else, is love! He loved so big that everyone who met him, learned what a wonderful thing life is. Everyone called Carter "super man" because he always bounced back from each downfall with so much strength and happiness each and every time. When he was 4 years old, he did what doctors thought he never would; he learned to walk. Although many of Carter's strides were short lived, he sure made the most of every moment. Without a doubt, Carter is dancing, running and singing in heaven. What he couldn't do here on earth, he is joyously enjoying somewhere over the rainbow. He is and always will be greatly missed by so many family and friends around the world. God speed, our love. Along with his parents and his sisters, Carter is survived by his grandparents, Crystal Beilfuss, Raymond Yager, Bill Beilfuss, Lorraine Raszler, Eileen Salyer and Robert Lincoln; aunts and uncles, Raymond and Tiffany Yager, Danielle Yager, Amy and Aaron Keyes, Jessica and Randy Zondervan, Marylou and Scott Parker and Carolyn Yager; cousins, Cody O'Hern, Amelia Yager, Braedin and Audrey Zondervan and Bella, Austin and Aaron Keyes; and all of the extended family and friends that have been near and dear to Carter's heart. A service celebrating Carter's life will take place on Monday, May 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Judy Shipman officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Arborcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at a dinner to honor Carter on Monday evening from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Loomis Park Baptist Church, 2301 N. Elm Avenue, Jackson, MI (exit 140 off I94). The family requests that in lieu of flowers you please bring a toy to be donated in memory of Carter to Mott Children's Hospital in order to help bring joy to a child who is in their care, as they so often did for Carter and his family.