Florence Etta (Kitts) Carter, age 98, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord on March 21, 2026. Born July 2, 1927, the second of twelve children, to Andrew and Helen (Tibbs) Kitts, in Gratton, VA, Florence's life spanned nearly a century. She touched six generations and lived through a time of remarkable change—from the days of horse-drawn travel to the rise of the digital age. Born just before the Great Depression, she came of age amid the trials of World War II and lived to witness the sweeping transformations of the modern world. Her life stands as a powerful testimony to God's enduring faithfulness across time.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband of 48 years, Martin Carter. She was also preceded in death by her eleven siblings: Mozelle, Gordon, Anna Bell, Ruth, Robert, Joe, Fred, Bill, Nancy, Jerry, and Betty and several great-grandbabies born too soon.

Raised in humble beginnings as the daughter of a sharecropper, Florence's life is a testimony to perseverance, faith, and God's provision. She was first and foremost a devoted homemaker, faithfully caring for her home and family. As a young woman, however, Florence answered the call of her generation during World War II, working in the defense industry as a "Rosie the Riveter," helping produce munitions for the war effort. In her early years, she also worked in various manufacturing businesses. Along with her husband, she helped operate Carter's Grocery in Springville, VA.

Florence was born again by the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, a faith she held firmly throughout her life. She was a devoted member of the Methodist faith, actively serving until her health no longer allowed. Her service extended to participation in the Methodist Holston Conference, where she contributed to various committees. Florence's love for the Lord was expressed through music—she sang in church choirs and quartets, often traveling throughout the Methodist circuit to share the Gospel in song.

Florence's love for her community was evident throughout every season of her life. She was actively involved in her children's education, serving in the PTA at Springville Elementary School, including several years as president. In later years, she continued serving faithfully by volunteering at the local food pantry. She found joy in life's simple pleasures—sewing, quilting, gardening, tending her plants, working puzzles, watching westerns, and even mowing her yard well into her late 80s. Above all, she cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Florence is survived by her two sons, Richard Keith (Vicki) Carter and Randy (Kathy) Carter; six grandchildren: Brad (Lisa) Carter, Josh (Mary) Carter, Sarah (Donald) Link, Laura (Adam) Phillips, Rebekah (Grant) Neeley, and Hannah (Samuel) Cornett; and  nineteen great-grandchildren: Ellia, Cayden, Matthew, Esther, Nathan, Ruthanna, Chesney, Everleigh, Adalie, Graceson, Gideon, Lincoln, Jackson, Parker, Ridge, Oakley, Hutchins, Selah, and Noya and many nieces and nephews. Her legacy of faith, love, and resilience lives on through each of them.

Florence walked through both the hardships and the joys that life brings, understanding that life is often marked by labor, trial, and perseverance, yet trusting that the Lord uses every season to strengthen the heart, steady the spirit, and direct our steps. One of her personal goals to remain in her home and not enter a nursing facility was fulfilled, reflecting not only her determination, but her lifelong spirit of independence and resolve. Even in her later years, she maintained that same strength of will that had carried her through nearly a century of living.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, her family rejoices with a confident hope, knowing that she is now at home with her Savior. The voice that once sang in choirs and country churches now joins a far greater chorus, lifting praise in a heavenly choir, where joy is full and peace is everlasting.

A service to celebrate Florence's life will be held Friday March 27 at 12:00 PM at Dudley Memorial Chapel with Pastor Tony Reed officiating. Friends may visit with family from 11:00 AM till the hour of service, burial will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens