Mary Edith Carter

   Mary Edith Worrell Felton Carter, 95, formerly of Taylor Mill Road in Eure, and more recently of Lake Prince Woods Retirement Community in Suffolk, VA, died Wednesday, November 16, 2016.

   Mrs. Carter was born on May 27, 1921 in Holland, VA and was the daughter of the late Sam Jim and Mary Jane Holland Worrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 22 years, Elijah Joseph “Turkey” Felton, and her husband of 24 years, Benjamin Franklin “Dick” Carter. Also passing before her were nine of her ten siblings, Willie Mae W. Blythe (Shirley), Elmo Worrell (Cathleen), Clinton Worrell (Virginia), Linwood Worrell, Roy Worrell (Irene), Lucille W. Judkins (Ed), Gladys W. Spivey (Malvern), Jimmy Worrell (Inez), and Jane Worrell. All had formerly lived in Suffolk.

   Surviving are her sister, Nell W. Williams (Tib, deceased) of Suffolk; her twin children, Faye F. Casper and husband Wade of Sunbury, and Ray Felton and wife Judy of Eure; her step-son, Dick Carter and wife Lynne of Yorktown, VA; six grandchildren, David Casper (Wendy) of Hobbsville, Daniel Casper (Morgan) of Tyner, Wayne Felton (Becky) of Raleigh, Brock Felton (Shelia) of Eure, Kevin Felton of Sacramento, CA, and Sean Carter (Tarina) of Toway, CA; eight great-grandchildren, Karsyn, Davis, Sara Tate, Luke, Jessie Jo, Shane, Clara, and Johanna; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her step-granddaughter, Monica Holloway and her son Alex of Newport News, VA; a very special former daughter-in-law, Sharon Caradonna (Gary) of San Diego, CA, and her devoted community travel partner, Elsie Brown of Apex, NC.

   Mrs. Carter was forced to end her education and start work at Planter’s Peanut in Suffolk at the age of 14 to help support her mother and younger siblings following the death of her father. She always viewed her lack of education as a reason to try harder instead of as a crutch to explain failure. She instilled those qualities in her children and always encouraged them to do well and do right. In addition to her work at Planter’s, she worked as a machine operator at Kelwood in Ahoskie for 23 years, and with her sister at Lucille’s Alterations on West Washington Street in Suffolk for a number of years.

   A skilled basket maker, she taught the craft through the Hertford-Gates Home Demonstration Club. She had submitted baskets for judging to the Federated Woman’s Club and had won first place on both the district and state levels. Also skilled at crocheting, she had just completed in January of this year a blanket for her latest great-grandchild, Karsyn Casper. She had made numerous afghans and lap blankets that she shared with family and friends, especially during her time at Lake Prince.

   Known for her loving care of others, she served folks in her community by visiting, taking food, and driving them to doctor’s visits when those needs arose.

   She was a faithful member of Eure Christian Church, its Ladies Aid Society, the Eure Extension and Community Association, and the Eure Woman’s Club.

   The family wishes to thank Dr. Jeffrey Foreman, MD, and Katherine Paul, CFNP, and their staff for the wonderful, tender loving care afforded our mother over the years. The care given by the staff of Lake Prince Woods Assisted Living is greatly appreciated, to her special caregivers, Carolyn Spivey, Cynthia Boone, and Salisa Woodard for all they have done, and through this long journey all the special staff members to our family that are too numerous to mention.

   A funeral to honor her memory will be held in the sanctuary of Eure Christian Church on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and will be conducted by the Rev. Wayne Gardner, the Rev. Billy Presley, and Dr. Wayne Proctor. A private burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, and other times at Ray and Judy’s home, 441 Taylor Mill Road, Eure.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eure Christian Church, 872 NC 137, Eure, NC 27935, or to a charity of one’s choice.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.