Gerlene Fuller Carter

Bristol, VA - Mrs. Gerlene Fuller Carter, 92, passed away at her home in Bristol, Va., on January 28, 2022. Born on June 11, 1929, at their home on Big A Mountain in Honaker, VA, she was the daughter of the late Elden B. and Maggie Nora Rasnake Fuller.

Gerlene had a strong work ethic, having been employed as a telephone operator in Bluefield, VA then moving back home to Big A Mountain to raise her family and care for her elderly father. She also worked at Jim's Men & Boys Shop (later Alfred & Jim's) in Lebanon, Va. and then worked and retired from Stein Mart in the men's department in Richmond, VA where she attained top salesman routinely throughout her career. After retiring she moved to Bristol, VA to be closer to most of her children.

Mrs. Carter loved her Lord and Savior, unwavering in her faith despite any challenges she faced. She was a strong, courageous, God-fearing lady throughout her life. She was a long-time member of the Bethany Baptist Church in Honaker, Virginia, but was currently a member of New Grace Baptist Church in Bristol, VA. In years past she enjoyed camping, fishing, and being on the water with her family. She may not have baited her own hooks, but she loved fishing as much as those with whom she went. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, always thinking of others; and everyone enjoyed being the recipient of her homestyle culinary talents.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James "Bobby" Carter. Eight siblings: four brothers, Lee, Frank, Joe and Con Fuller. As well as four sisters, Vertie Fuller, Lucy Harrison, Edith Johnson and Irene Wampler.

Left to cherish her memory are her five children, her heart and soul, whom she took great pride in raising: Michael Carter and wife Patty of Bristol, VA., Patricia Carter-Fields and husband Gaines of Bluff City, TN, Keith Carter and wife Sharon of Disputanta, VA, James Carter and wife Gale of Lebanon, VA and Tammy Whitaker and husband Rusty of Bristol, VA. Survivors also include 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She has been the cornerstone of her family and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her grandchildren adored her as much as she did them. She often said she was very blessed with children and grandchildren that still visited and called regularly.

Visitation with the family will be held 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m., Monday, January 31, 2022, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Matthew Boone and Rev. Sam Haynes officiating. Entombment will follow in Ketron Memorial Park Mausoleum in Lebanon, VA with Aaron Carter, Brett Carter, Quinton Fields, Casey Fields, Eric Fields, Jason Fields, and Brian Carter serving as pallbearers. A link to the livestreamed funeral ceremony will be available at www.farrisfuneralservice.com by clicking on "Services", then "Livestream" at the time of the service.

Those wishing to share memories or messages of sympathy may do so online by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Mrs. Gerlene Fuller Carter is in the care of the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).