Mrs. Lois B. Carter, 86, a resident of Westminster Canterbury, Virginia Beach left this world peacefully to enter Heaven's gates on October 17, 2015. She was born August 14, 1929 in Pulaski, Virginia, daughter of Stephen and Bessie Bendel. She was united in marriage to Reverend Paul S. Carter on August 17, 1947 in Charlottesville, Virginia. He preceded her in death October 4, 2006, after 59 wonderful years of marriage. Mrs. Carter is remembered for her keen mind, (she was Valedictorian of her graduating classes at Lane High School, VA, and Concord College, WV), as well as for her gracious spirit, servant attitude and compassionate caring concern for everyone she met. She exercised a quiet, powerful ministry of writing countless cards and letters of encouragement, comfort and inspiration . Her bright smile lit up every room she entered, and her words lifted the spirits of every person she encountered. The source of her joy and strength was her unwavering faith in God, constant prayer life and consistent study of the Bible, whose truths she purposed to live out in word and deed, through joyful service to her Lord and to others.

Lois Carter was a devoted pastor's wife, dedicated mother, loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children and spouses; Sheryl (George) Gera, Tours, France; Paul Stuart (Jan) Carter, Fairmont, WV; John Carter, Virginia Beach, VA ; Jane (Nathan) Phillips, Rome,GA.; a son-in-law, Lawrence (Lana)Frame, Chesapeake,VA.; 12 loving grandchildren and their spouses, and 7 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelly Carter Frame, a daughter-in-law ,Trisha Black Carter, and a great-grand-daughter, Mackenzie Grace Molina.

The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake on Sunday, October 25, 2015 from 3 to 5 p.m. The family will also receive friends on Monday, October 26, 2015 at 2:30 at Bayside Baptist Church, 1920 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach with a Celebration of Live Service to begin at 3 p.m. She will be laid to rest on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 691 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. Please visit her book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a message to the family.