Lucia Talley CARTER

Lucia Talley Carter

Lucia Talley Carter, 87, of Bedford, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Runk and Pratt Residential Adult Care, Forest. She was born Nov. 30, 1920, in Petersburg, a daughter of the late Alexander Williamson Talley and Blanche LaMont Neaves Talley. She was a graduate of State Teachers College at Radford. Lucia taught at the former Liberty Academy, Bedford Elementary School and Otterburn Academy, where she was also headmistress. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Altar Guild for many years. Lucia was also a member of the Blue Ridge Garden Club.

In addition to her parents, Lucia was preceded in death by her husband, John "Jack" Lafayette Carter Jr.; a grandson, Steven Edwards Carter; and a sister, Rebecca Talley Stevenson. She is survived by three children, John Alexander Carter and his wife, Sandra, of Blue Ridge, Richard Talley Carter and his wife, Kathleen, of Fairfax and Anne Carter Heller and her husband, Joseph, of Bedford; six grandchildren, Michael Joseph Heller and his wife, Clarice, David Carter Heller, Whitney Lauren Carter, John "Jack" Clifford Carter, Michael Talley Carter and Emma Caroline Carter; and three great-grandchildren, Joseph Ryan Heller, Collin Andrew Bowie and Hannah Elizabeth Heller.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Runk and Pratt and Gentle Shepherd Hospice for their exceptional care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 823, Lynchburg, VA 24504; or Gentle Shepherd Hospice Charities, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019.

A celebration of Lucia's life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at Main Street United Methodist Church, with Pastor Jim Hundley and the Rev. Dr. Carl H. Douglass Jr. officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfauneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Bedford, (540) 586-3443.