Dorothy was the seventh of eight children raised jointly by Frank Carter and Emma Otkins Carter.   Dorothy attended both elementary and high school in Gloster, Mississippi  where she spent her early life.  She graduated with honors from Alcorn State University in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.  She was a devoted educator teaching at both the secondary and college levels for decades.   She educated a multitude of students at Gloster Elementary School (Gloster, Mississippi), Lynnwood High School (Lynnwood, Mississippi), Campbell College (Jackson, Mississippi), Jim Hill High School (Jackson, Mississippi), and Okolona Junior College (Okolona, Mississippi). 

 

She deeply loved her family and was very much loved and cherished by all of her relatives and friends.  Dorothy had a wonderful sense of humor; she loved to laugh and to make others laugh.   She met the love of her life Hampton Preston Wilburn (affectionally know as “Hamp”, who hailed from Benton, Mississippi) while studying at Acorn State University.   They married and shared a life that took them from Lorman, Mississippi to New Orleans, Louisiana, and on to Jackson where Hamp served as President of Campbell College, President of Okolona Junior College, as an Executive Administrator for Financial Aid at Jackson State University. Dorothy was his consummate support working both inside and outside of the home as they raised their two beloved daughters, Dorothy Camille and Sherryl Elizabeth.

 

Dorothy was a Christian, introduced to her faith as a child by her parents.  Before her health declined she was a devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi where she was a member of the St. Monica’s Guild and the Alter Guild.  She also belonged to the YWCA, PTA and, as a lifelong supporter of Civil Rights, was a member of the NAACP.   An avid bridge and gin rummy player, Dorothy loved playing cards with Hamp, her sister Helen, her brother-in-law Scott and their close friends and neighbors.  She also thoroughly enjoyed working a difficult New York Times crossword puzzle, listening to all kinds music, playing the piano, reading a good book, gardening, watching an enthralling drama and just spending quality time with her family.  Dorothy was known for her mild, kind and modest disposition. While she was a peace maker that could calm any brewing friction you never needed to question where she stood on an issue. She had her own perfect and loving way of making her thoughts abundantly clear with one quick, discernible and knowing look.

 

Dorothy was an accomplished cook.  Whether it was a special occasion or just a routine supper, one was always and forever blessed to be favored with an invitation to dine at Dorothy’s table.  Corn bread dressing, roasted chicken, potato salad, sweet potatoes and macaroni and cheese were her specialties; but her fruit cake and sweet potato pies were legendary! She kept a warm, welcoming and joy filled home where anyone that entered felt special.

 

Dorothy was called to her eternal home on May 19, 2021.  God blessed our world with her   beautiful life and presence for over 100 years.  She will be sorely missed but will be there waiting to welcome home those that call Jesus their Lord and Savior.

 

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father Frank Carter, her mother Emma Otkins Carter, her half sister and brother Lionel Carter and Frankie Carter Hurst (Emanuel),  sisters Ruby Carter Delaney (Pixie); Mildred Carter Sawyer (Daniel); Elizabeth Carter Worthing (Cornell), Helen Carter Scott (Lloyd Scott) and brother Robert Carter (Alice) and her beloved daughter Dorothy Camille Wilburn McKey (Tommy), who together with Sherryl, tirelessly provided care for her mother. 

 

Dorothy leaves to mourn her and to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, confidant and ever-present caregiver Sherryl Elizabeth Wilburn, grandchildren John McKey (Mary) Jennifer McKey (Eliza Sokolowska), her great grandchildren Tamar and Aila and a host of great nieces, great nephews, and friends.