Melba Tabitha Carter

Melba Tabitha Carter, 92, of Valley Lee, MD passed away at her residence . Born on June 22, 1921 in Coeburn, VA., she was the daughter of the late Samuel Patton and Nancy Myrtle Sluss Sexton. Melba was the loving wife of the late William Henry Carter, who passed away in 1974. Melba is survived by her children; Doylus Carter of Richwood, WV., Ray Carter (Betty), Roy Carter Nelson Carter, Ronnie Carter, Donnie Carter (Donna), Lucy Hammett (David), Harvey Carter (Lynette) all of Valley Lee, MD., Bobby Carter (Margie) of Hollywood, MD., Gene Stiffler of California, MD., and David Carter (Kathy) of Callaway, MD and son in law Gary Williams. Mrs. Carter was preceded in death by her children; Janice Freeman, Nancy Norris, Inez Williams, daughter in law's; Susie Carter, Rosie Carter and Mickey Carter and son in law Bass Freeman also survived by 38 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, and 13 Great-greatgrandchildren. Melba was also preceded in death by her siblings; Doyle Sexton , Dolph Sexton, Oma Sexton, Roxie Gibson, Annie Sexton, Edith Finch, Lula Finch all of Coeburn, VA, Gene Knott of Lexington Park, MD and Goldie Knott of St. Inigoes, MD. Mrs. Carter moved to St. Mary’s County in 1941, she was a homemaker. Melba’s life was that of a carpenter and bee keepers wife, and a wonderful mother. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, canning, and swinging on her front porch. Her children and many grand and great-grandchildren were her pride and joys. She never got her driver’s license, she always washed her clothes with a ringer washing machine and the clothes were hung on the clothes line to dry. One of the fondest memories of her kids and grandkids were the wonderful homemade chicken and dumplings, cooked on an old wood cook stove, and her made from scratch biscuits, she loved going to church and as her health began to fail she spent her Sunday mornings watching Joel Osteen, she was referred to as “Granny” to everyone. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM with prayers recited at 3:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2013 at 10:00AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD with Father Greg Syler officiating. Interment will follow in the Hollywood Church of the Nazarene Cemetery.