Barbara Ellen Pauley Carter

Barbara Ellen Pauley Carter, 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 29, 2026.

Born on November 6, 1939, in Tiptop, Virginia, Barbara was the daughter of the late Laura and Harvey Pauley. She graduated from Tazewell High School with the Class of 1957. On June 10, 1958, she married Gary Lee Carter. Together they built a life centered on faith and family raising their seven children in Bluefield, Virginia.

Barbara will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, caring sister, and loyal friend. Her greatest joy came from her family.

Barbara had a quick wit and a fun-loving spirit that drew people to her. She loved to laugh, tell stories, and share happy moments with family and friends. Whether she was teasing those she loved, sharing a laugh around the table, or simply enjoying time with her family, Barbara's joyful presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; brothers, Jim, Bob, Pyott, Riley, and E.C. Pauley; her sisters, Ruth Durham and Thelma Durham; and her beloved grandchildren, Chase Miller and Alex Carter.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Vicki and Sonny Miller, Bobby and Robin Carter, Paul and Rose Carter, Jeremy and Kelli Carter, Jonathan and Tina Carter, Carol Sue Carter, and Jennifer and Jamie Lambert; her sister, Kat Wolford; special niece, Kathy Jeffery; grandchildren: Zac, Luke, Paul Jr., Seth, Blake, Mia, and Kristin Carter; Jake, Stacy, and Alanah Miller; and Brandon Lambert; and great-grand children Liam, Finn, and Edyn Miller; and Rocket Carter.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Dudley Memorial Funeral Home in Bluefield, Virginia. A service for Barbara will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Dudley Memorial Funeral Home, led by Pastor Barry Wright, with a burial to follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Virginia.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Dogwood Crossing Senior Living in Tazewell and Caris Healthcare of Cedar Bluff for the exceptional care shown to Barbara.