Delores Carter

“Her children arise and call her blessed…” -Proverbs 31:28

The sunshine of our family, Delores Ann Ellis Carter, passed away on August 14, 2025. She was born prematurely on July 19, 1937, to Charlie Wendell Ellis and Allene Susan Fletcher, who carried their tiny baby around on a pillow.

Delores was a devoted wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She is survived by her sisters Yvonne Overton, Rosita Andrews, and Loretta Hagan. Her loving children - Lovanda (Ken), Tammie, Angela (Johnny), Craig (Corrina), and Tonya (Kelly). She was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Delores is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Carter, and her brother, Mickey Ellis.

Our talented “Lois” (as Larry called her) was a musician, artist, cook, seamstress, vocalist, and beautician. She was also our family’s food critic, with “rancid” being her favorite adjective. She had a talent for catching the biggest fish in the family- after someone else would cast her rod. She also loved to play basketball, roller skate, and beat us all in Rook.

Delores was not only the sunshine of our family but a beacon of light for our community. Although she would never take the credit, she was the co-founder of Wayside Baptist Church, serving as a pillar of support for her husband and for her church family. Since 1964, Delores attended as many church services as she could and strived to be there if the doors were open. Her love for the Lord was obvious and radiated from her each and every day. Part of her legacy will be how many people she led to the Lord and how many lives she changed for the better.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Jane Satter and Duke Homecare and Hospice for their dedication and care for Delores during her time of need.

The family will be receiving visitors between 1:00-3:00 pm at Wayside Baptist Church on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at the Wayside Baptist Church Cemetery.