Missionary Gladys Lee Potter Carter, 92, of Martinsville, Va, transitioned from Earth to Glory on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. She was born on October 4, 1933 in Franklin County, VA to the late Sandy Potter Sr. and Julia Potter. She was preceded in death by her husband Nathaniel W. Carter, Sr.; son, Nathaniel W, Carter, Jr.; brothers, Sandy Potter Jr. and John Potter.

Mother Gladys was a faithful and hardworking servant of God, whose life reflected the Christian values lovingly instilled in her by her parents. Purposeful and steadfast, she lived with a heart devoted to God’s work and to the well-being of others. A true missionary, she found joy in delivering food, comfort, and prayer to those in need – always guided by love and compassion. Mother Gladys deeply cherished her family, finding delight in gatherings, vacations, and the simple blessings of time spent together. Her radiant spirit, unwavering faith, and boundless generosity touched countless lives. Her legacy of faith, love, and service lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Mother Gladys was a graduate of Franklin County Training School in Rocky Mount, VA. She was employed by Standard Garments, CSI a subsidiary of Dupont, and after retirement, Wal-Mart as a door greeter. She joined Mt. Sinai Apostle Church after moving to Martinsville to live with family, after which, she met her loving husband and continued to work in the church ministry as President of the Sr. Missionary Department, head of the culinary staff, member of the usher board, member of Sunday school, and the Youth in Action culinary staff.

Left to cherish her memories are her children: Cynthia Brooks, Sandy T Carter (Kathy), and Sharon Echols (Sherman), all of Martinsville, VA; sisters: Sally Mahan of Martinsville, Va and Barbrah Jean Bleecker of Verona, NJ; four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12:00 noon at Mt. Sinai Apostle Church, 7 Peters St, Martinsville with Bishop J.C. Richardson, Jr., Eulogist. Interment will follow at True Vine Baptist Church Cemetery, 4025 True Vine Road, Union Hall, VA.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. All other times the family will receive friends at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Sandy and Kathy Carter, 507 Fifth Street, Martinsville, VA. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook,

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.