Sally Alice Carter

Mrs. Sally Alice Carter, lovingly known as "Tumpy", age 91 of Gallatin Tennessee transitioned peacefully on October 23, 2024, at NHC Sumner Place in Gallatin Tennessee with her loved ones by her side. Mrs. "Tumpy" live a long and fulfilled life. Please keep her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are as follows: Visitation will be held at Strawther & White Funeral Home, located at 150 North Blakemore on Monday, October 28th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Visitation: Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Gravel Hill Missionary Baptist Church located at 5051 Gravel Hill Road, Bethpage TN. Burial will take place following the funeral at Gallatin Cemetery located at 250 Cemetery Ave. Gallatin TN  37066

Sally Alice Walker Carter age 91, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 23, 2024, at NHC Place Sumner with family by her side. Sally was born February 19, 1933, in the Gravel Hill Community located in Bethpage, TN to Reverend Thomas Walker and Nellie Valentine Walker.  As a child, Sally (lovingly known as Tumpy all of her life), enjoyed playing with her two sisters and four brothers and sharing tasks around their home. Sally attended school in Macon County. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Willie J. Carter on December 23, 1954, and was a faithful and supportive wife for 57 years until his death. They resided in Gallatin, TN and later moved to Hendersonville, TN. 

Sally professed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with Gravel Hill Missionary Baptist Church. In later years, she took great pride in serving the Lord as an usher and was a faithful member until illness prevented her regular attendance.  Sally liked to stay busy. She kept a spotless home and was a great cook! She had a “green thumb” and could bring any plant back to life. Her other hobbies included shopping at Rivergate, talking and visiting friends and supporting her family members in any way possible.  She was always available to offer her love, support and wisdom. She worked as a housekeeper/babysitter for many years making lasting friendships from this endeavor. Sally was known for her wit and quick retorts with those whom she felt comfortable. Her will to enjoy life fully helped her to overcome many health challenges in late life.  She was quite honest about how she felt about others’ service to her. When asked simple questions such as how the food tasted or is this position ok, everyone knew in advance that she was going to say - “It’s ok, but nothing extra!” Sally was also known for her practical approach to life - “Whatever is going to be is going to be!” She would never let anyone, or anything dampen her spirit.  We will miss her love, laughter and support, but more importantly, we will remember the many pieces of wisdom she lovingly shared with us. Preceding her in death were her parents, Reverend Thomas and Nellie Walker, husband, Willie J. Carter, Sisters - Sadie (Aubrey) Valentine, Vester (Johnny) Gaddis, Price (Barbara) Walker, Robert Walker, Archie Walker Charlie Walker, many special nieces and nephews.

Left to cherish her memory are nieces, Dr. Brenda Valentine, Gdvl, TN, Felicia (Johnny) Roberts, Trudy (Shannon) Chumbley, Cathy (Melvin) Vaughn, Gallatin, TN. nephew, Aubrey Valentine, Jr. Nashville, TN; three great nephews who communicated often with her throughout the years - Justin Roberts, Aubrey Valentine, III (Trey), Kevin Evans, a devoted cousin, Bertha Walker Winchester, many other relatives and friends.

Special tribute and gratitude goes to three of Sally’s very special friends that she considered “her children” - Louise Guthrie Hunt, Memphis, TN, Grace Lee Guthrie, Washington, DC, Mary Lesslie Guthrie Keller, San Diego, California. An everlasting love existed between Sally and “her children.” Their multiple acts of kindness during her illness and their unwavering love and support of Sally from their childhood tothe current day will always be remembered and cherished.

Special thanks to all the staff at NHC Place Sumner in Gallatin, TN for their wonderful care of Sally during her time of need. Also, we extend much gratitude to all for your kindness shown through calls, cards, or visits during Sally’s illness.