Dorothy Louise Carter

Dorothy Louise Hodges Stafford Pence Carter, age 97, passed away on March 21, 2026, in Austin, Texas.

Dorothy was born in Fort Benning, Georgia. As a young wife, and later as a devoted military spouse, she embraced a life of movement and adventure, living in Georgia, Washington, Hawaii, California, Germany, Louisiana, and Texas. In 1978, she settled into her forever home in Austin on Slaughter Lane, a place that became the heart of countless family memories.

At the age of 71, Dorothy fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning her Bachelor of Arts from Austin Community College-a testament to her determination, her curiosity, and her belief that it is never too late to grow.

Her greatest joys were simple and profound: her home, her family, her flowers, and her steadfast relationship with God. She lived with a fierce independence and a spirit entirely her own. If she had a theme song, it would have been "I Did It My Way" by Frank Sinatra-a fitting reflection of her strength, her honesty, and her unwavering sense of self. Even at 96, she carried that same spark.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Jamie Stafford. She leaves behind her children-George Stafford, Spencer Stafford, Dorothy Pistole, Paul Pence, Sandra Carter, and Steven Carter-along with 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren, each one a part of the legacy she built with love.

She was generous with her time, her resources, and her heart. Dorothy supported numerous charities and spent years caring for her homebound husband, brother, and mother. Her door was always open to those who needed a place to land, even if only for a little while.

A viewing will be held on March 31 at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Harrell Funeral Home 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, TX. The service is open to the public.

Burial is pending at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX.