Mary Elizabeth (Doty) Carter passed away on June 11th, 2023. In her passing she was reunited with her beloved husband William "Bill" Carter, who after a loving embrace, undoubtedly made a joke about Mary taking her time getting to heaven.

Mary, better known as, "Nannie," to her nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren, was born in Paris, Kentucky in 1937. She was a graduate of Lafayette High School, class of 1956. She met her husband on a trip to Lake Herrington and they were inseparable soon after. Mary was a Lexingtonian for the rest of her life with the exception of a brief stop in Arkansas in support of Bill's army service.

Mary was a homemaker and mother to three daughters: Conda, Susan and Denise. Not long after her daughters became adults, she happily transitioned to her role as adoring grandmother. In the summers her home turned into a family summer camp with Mary doubling as camp counselor and short order cook, happily churning out thousands of grilled cheese sandwiches and hundreds of gallons of Kool-Aid.

Christmas was Mary's favorite time of the year. She created volumes of cherished memories during the holiday season, whether making candies with her daughters and then grandkids, decorating her home, or singing Christmas carols accompanied by her grandchildren ringing jingle bells. She relished being surrounded by family on Christmas eve, and her loss will be acutely felt for many Christmases to come.

Mary loved to travel with her husband, with stops ranging from New York City to San Francisco. She had a special fondness for beach trips, and frequented Myrtle Beach in the summers. She had an insatiable sweet tooth and was a connoisseur of Kroger breakfast pastries. Mary also enjoyed reading late into the night, garage sales, and long cups of coffee at Waffle House - often making friends with the waitresses.

Mary was the epitome of love and kindness. Her signature sign-off, "I love you - come see me," will be missed by all who heard it. Her example leaves an indelible mark on her family, friends, and neighbors.

Mary struggled with her health in her later years. Her family is comforted that she's free of pain and is once again with her husband Bill, our Dad and Papaw. May their heavenly road trips lead them to an eternity of adventures.

Mary's proudest achievement was the family she loved so dearly. She is survived by her daughters Conda (Don) Marcum, Susan (Shannon) Lansdale, and Denise (Tony) Sturgill, grandchildren Taylor (Tess) Lansdale, Bill (Melody) Marcum, Drew Koenig, Ally (Austin) Fackler, Dawson (Brooke (fiance)) Marcum, Kristy (John) Sims, Cassie Lansdale, John Marcum, Amber Koenig, great-grandchildren Harmony Marcum, Will Marcum, Eleanor Lansdale, Owen Fackler, sister Barbara Brewer, brother Doug Doty, sister-in-law Jackie Doty, and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Milward Funeral Directors on Friday, June 16th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 17th at 9:00am. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Blue Grass Memorial Gardens.
Services
Funeral Service June 17, 2023 (9:00am-10:00am)
Milward - Southland
391 Southland Drive, Lexington KY