Rowena "Petely" Purcell Carter

Obituary For Rowena "Petely" Purcell Carter

Rowena “Petely” Purcell Carter, 91 of Madison, NC passed Tuesday, June 2, 2026. “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Mary D. Perry Memorial Chapel of Perry Spencer Funeral Home, Madison, NC. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Eden Garden Cemetery, Eden, NC.

Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home 402 Short Avenue, Madison, NC.

It is with profound sadness and enduring love that we announce the peaceful passing of Rowena “Petely” Purcell Carter on June 2, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Born on November 29, 1934, in Rockingham County, Petely was a beloved daughter of the late Council and Rewena Joyner Purcell. He life was a testament to the values of hard work, faith an d family.

Petely's life was a rich tapestry of service and love. She dedicated much of her career to domestic service, where she cared for the well-being of others and maintained the sanctity of their homes with grace and diligence. He work extended beyond employment; it was an extension of her nurturing spirit and her commitment to improving the lives of those around her.

A lifelong member of Hayes Chapel United Methodist Church in Madison, NC, Petely found joy and purpose in her faith community. She sang joyfully in the choir and served with dedication on the culinary committee, where her extraordinary culinary skills were a blessing to those who know her. Her cooking was not only a craft but an expression of love, which she generously shared with family and friends.

Petely was cherished by her family, who were the center of her world. She is survived by her grandcildren, Roger “Punkin” Carter, Kinston Carter and Shenelle Carter of Madison, NC. and her great-grandchildren, Destynee Carter, Christian Carter and Bently Carter. In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who will forever hold her memory close. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Edith Joyner Hairston, her sister, Carlean Purcell and five brothers, Charlie Leo Purcell, William Cleo Purcell, clarence Purcell, Kenneth Purcell and O'Neil Purcell.

Known for her infectious smile and talkative spirit, Petel never met a stranger. he gentle yet strong demeanor, coupled with her caring but disciplined nature, made her a beacon of confidence and reliability. She was self-sufficient, independent and God-fearing, qualities that endeared her to all and made her a cherished, admired and loved figure in the lives she touched.

As we gather to remember Rowena “Petely” Carter, we honor a life well-lived, marked by love, service and unwavering faith. While she will be deeply missed, her spirit and legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know her.

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