Mary Eleanor Ward Carter, 72, of Suffolk, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 1, 2015. She was born in Gates County, N.C., to the late Nora and Cecil Ward Sr. Mary Eleanor was a passionate educator and retired after 35 years of teaching in the Suffolk Public Schools. She was truly adored by many of her students for the lifelong impact she made on their lives.

Mary Eleanor was deeply rooted in her family and there found her greatest joy. She was a dedicated wife and profoundly loving mother. However, her proudest role was being “Nana” to her two grandchildren. She was so incredibly proud of her family.

Mary Eleanor is survived by her husband of 47 years, Delmar Yates Carter Sr.; daughter and son-in-law, Kristen C. and Gene Fojtik; grandchildren, Olivia Grace Fojtik and Miles Carter Fojtik; sisters, Marion W. Carter and Edith W. Byrum; brother, Cecil Thomas Ward Jr. and wife, Patsy B. Ward; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Great Fork Baptist Church, where she was a lifetime member. The Rev. Dr. Donald Jones will be officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. It was Mary Eleanor’s wish that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Great Fork Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 180 Great Fork Road, Suffolk, VA 23438. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.