Mary Carter

Mary Ellen Thomas Carter, 88, formerly of Salisbury, NC, and Little River, SC, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 21st at Hillcrest Convalescent Center in Durham. She was born in Charlotte, NC, on June 5th, 1929, the daughter of Obie Scott Thomas and Louise Robinson Thomas.

Mary Ellen is survived by a son, Kenneth Lee Carter, Jr. (wife Danette) of Raleigh, NC, and a daughter, Louise Carter Rogers of Yanceyville, NC. Also surviving are grandsons, Thomas and Daniel Rogers of Yanceyville, Mark Minshew (wife Kristen) of Raleigh and granddaughters Erin Rogers Ghim (husband Mike) of Greensboro, NC, and Dana Whitley (husband David) of Charlotte, NC. Mary Ellen also is survived by 7 great grandchildren (Trey, Landon, Worth, Caden, Noah, Paxton, and Cora) and a brother Scott Thomas (wife Carole). She was pre-deceased by her husband, Kenneth Lee Carter, Sr.; her parents; a sister, Jean T. Koenig; and son-in-law, Gary G. Rogers.

Mary Ellen worked for many years in the guidance office at Salisbury High School. She also worked at First United Methodist Church in Salisbury, NC, and at the Rowan County Sheriff's Office. Mary Ellen was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Salisbury, NC, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for many years. After moving to Little River, SC, she was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and volunteered in the church office. Mary Ellen loved spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid golfer before health issues limited her play and also loved to read and play bridge. The family wishes to express its thanks to Ms. Alicia Hartsfield, Ms. Destanie Mason-Fletcher, and all of the staff at Hillcrest for caring for Mary Ellen during the final months of her life.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in North Myrtle Beach, SC, on Saturday, March 3rd at 2:00. The family will receive friends and family at the Church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Music Fund of First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., Salisbury, NC 28144 or the Music Fund of Trinity United Methodist Church, 706 14th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

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