Beatrice Elizabeth (Washington) Carter

Beatrice Elizabeth Washington Carter was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. At the age of 101, in the early morning hour on  Sunday, April 23, 2023, she was called home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at the Williamsburg Hospice House. She fought a good fight right up until her death.

Beatrice was born on October 30, 1921, to the union of  Blanche and David Washington in York County, Virginia. She was known as "Bea" and grew up in a loving family with eight siblings, all who predeceased her.  She was also preceded in death by her son, Harold O. Washington.

At the age of eleven, Bea joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Yorktown, where she was a faithful member until her health declined.  She had a strong belief in Jesus Christ and always said that the Lord was keeping her strong and was always with her.  Her conversations with Jesus were like He was sitting with her holding her hand.

Bea graduated from the York County Training School and Bertie's Beauty School in Newport News, Va, in March 1945. She was a licensed hairdresser for over sixty years. Ladies would seek her out because she had what they called "growing hands" and could make any woman's hair grow and look beautiful. She loved helping anyone whenever she could.  Bea was also a member of the Order of Eastern Stars.

On December 20, 1950, Bea married the love of her life, Thomas Carter.  They made their home in Grafton and enjoyed forty years of marital bliss until his passing in 1990.

Bea loved discussing politics; her television was always on the CNN channel. She was so excited to watch President Obama being sworn in as the 44th and 45th president of the United States. She would stay up all hours of the night watching the news. Saying she never thought she would "see a Black person become president." At the age of 100, the York County Historical Society interviewed her, wanting to hear her story of what life was like for her as a child and adult growing up in the county. She lived a full life, touched many lives, and saw a lot of changes during her 101 years on this earth.

She leaves her devoted son, Garnett Carter (Linda) of Arlington, Texas; four grandchildren who she was proud of, Shirley Whitfield, Denise Washington, Jeniece Stonum, and Katrina Baptist; five great-grandchildren, Sidney, Garret, Jazmine, Jaxon, and Makenzie; her nephew who lovingly took care of her for many years, Ronald Washington; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Noon Friday, April 28, 2023, at Shiloh Baptist Church - Yorktown. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment to follow in Masonic Burial Grounds. Mrs. Carter may be viewed on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of her service in the church. Facial coverings are required for all services.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com 

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