On Friday, July 22, 2011, at Richfield Recovery and Care Center, Mary Shaw Carter, 85, of Salem, died after a long and difficult struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was the daughter of James Thomas & Willie Virginia Shaw. Her husband, Lawson Wayne Carter, died in 1996; a son, Richard Thomas Carter in 1974; and her beloved daughter-in-law, Cathy in 2006. Survivors include her son, Gary Wayne Carter and his daughters, Emma Carter (Michael) Murphy and Elizabeth Carter (David) Koenig; her niece, Leesa Shaw Sacra; and her life-long friend, Nancy Richardson Keys. Mary is remembered by those who knew her for a quick and ready wit and for her warm and loving nature. All her life she took care of those in need around her, helping with their tax returns, shopping for them, driving them to and fro, and visiting them when they were sick and shut-in. In all the work and troubles of her life, she found strength and comfort in her Lord and Savior and in Him also the means of grace and the hope of glory. Energized and sustained by her beliefs and by her family, she was good, generous, and faithful; sharing the Love that made her was something she did without having to think about it. She was also very funny, and, at her best, light and bright and sparkling a real pleasure to be around. Although she always worked in many jobs outside the home, she was able to keep up with the one that mattered to her the most that of nurturing her family through its many tough times over the years. Funeral arrangements are being handled by John M. Oakey and Son in Salem. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011, at the funeral home. There will be graveside services at the family plot in Sherwood Burial Park at 10 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, August 6, 2011, followed by a reception in the Shenandoah Room at Richfield Retirement Community from 1 until 3 p.m. Should you wish to honor Mary's memory, please consider a contribution to your church or favorite charity.

ROANOKE TIMES, Wed, Aug 3, 2011