Patricia M. "Puddin" Carter

Patricia Carter, affectionally known as "Puddin," was born on Tuesday, May 12, 1953, to the late Dorethea Allen and Leroy Vaughan, Sr.

She attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. Patricia was united in marriage to Gerald Carter in 1995, and they shared 30 loving years together. She retired in 2008 from Sentara after 19 years of dedicated service and support.

Patricia was a member of Faith in Action Church of Norfolk, Virginia. She will be lovingly remembered as a God-fearing, virtuous woman whose life was a beautiful example of faith in action. She loved the Lord and spent countless hours reading her Bible, drawing strength from His Word, and serving others with a willing and generous heart. Helping others came naturally to her, and she found joy in being of service whenever she could.

Sweet yet wonderfully straightforward, Patricia had a great sense of humor that could brighten any room. She spoke her mind with love and honesty, and those who knew her appreciated her sincerity as much as her kindness.

She also enjoyed shopping, decorating, and making a home feel warm and welcoming. Patricia was especially known for her cooking, particularly her famous rice puddings, banana puddings, and sweet potato pies, which were shared with love and eagerly anticipated by family and friends. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed watching her favorite shows, Midsomer Murders and Murder She Wrote.

She is predeceased by her parents, Dorethea Allen and Leroy Vaughan, Sr.; one sister, Elsie Pamp, and one brother, Michael Vaughan.

She is survived by husband, Gerald Carter; two daughters, Katina Wilkins and Latarsha Wilson (Kim); one son, Antoine Wilson; three sisters, Linda Long (William), Dondrell Smith, and Michelle Johnson; two brothers, Leroy Vaughan, Jr. (Lynette) and Derrick Vaughan of Boston, MA; three grandchildren, Atland Wilson (Danielle), Jamal Wilson (Darlene), and Jeremiah "Zay" Wilson (Quadaja); and nine great-grandchildren, Tamia, Madison, McKenzie, Niamiah, Janiah, J'ay'ceon, Ivonti, Eugene and Imari.

Above all else, she cherished her family deeply. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings with her whole heart. Patricia leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.