Valerie L. Carter's Obituary
Dr. Valerie L. Carter, age 69, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at her residence in Spring Hill, Florida, surrounded by love. She was the devoted wife of Edward Carter Jr., with whom she shared 30 wonderful years of marriage and 33 years of companionship. Their life together was rooted in love, loyalty, and deep friendship.
Valerie was born on February 27, 1957, in Huntsville, Alabama, to Dorethea Makin and the late Donald Makin, and was raised in Severna Park, Maryland. She pursued her passion for education and healthcare with extraordinary determination. Valerie attended the University of Maryland Dental School for dental hygiene, later earning her master’s degree in dental hygiene and ultimately completing her doctorate in higher education leadership—all while working full time and raising eight children, a testament to her strength and perseverance.
A passionate educator and leader, Valerie taught Dental Hygiene at St. Petersburg College in Florida and at the University of Maryland. Following the completion of her doctorate, she served as Program Director for the Dental Hygiene Department at Fortis College in Atlanta, and later at Carrington College in Boise, Idaho, where she made a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Valerie found her greatest joy in family and friendships. She loved welcoming others into her home, traveling to visit loved ones, and spending peaceful time in her garden, where she delighted in picking flowers and appreciating life’s simple beauties.
Valerie was known for her generous, loving heart and her willingness to help anyone in need. Her warmth, kindness, and friendly spirit allowed her to make friends wherever life took her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Edward Carter Jr.; her eight children, Thomas Brandon Carter, Derek Carter, Kristen Carter, Chad Carter, Lyndsay Carter, Edward Earl Carter, Eric Carter, and Evan Carter; and her eight cherished grandchildren, Catherine Nicole Carter, Niles Carter, Sloanie Carter, Julie Carter, Ava Carter, Sophie Carter, Mattie Carter, and Lizzie Carter. She is also survived by her mother, Dorethea Makin and her siblings, Rene Hammond and Don Makin.
Valerie was preceded in death by her father, Donald Makin.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her unwavering love, dedication to education, and the profound impact she made on all who knew her.
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