Robin Ann Carter

Robin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Kathryn B. and Robert A. Carter. She moved around with her family during her early years of life while her father served in the US Army, and lived in Queenscliff, Australia; Fayetteville, NC; and West Point, NY. When her father retired from the military, the family moved to San Antonio, TX for three years, before ultimately settling first in Greensboro, then in Cary, North Carolina in 1974.

From an early age, Robin showed exceptional athletic abilities, often exceeding her male counterparts. Boys were always knocking on her door when she was growing up, wanting her to come out and play. In elementary school in San Antonio, she was the only girl on a boys’ Little League baseball team, and was embraced by her teammates, if not opposing teams’ parents. It was in San Antonio that her non-tennis playing mom took her to a tennis court one day and hit the ball back and forth with her, judging correctly that Robin would excel at the sport.

She also was gifted musically, except that she couldn’t carry a tune. As a child, she’d spend hours strumming a guitar and tunelessly singing songs that she created. Robin also took up the drums in elementary school, and played in the percussion section of her schools’ bands for many years. Family members would often dance joyously to her drum solos at home.

At Kiser Junior High and Apex High School, Robin excelled in multiple sports, including volleyball, softball, basketball, and tennis. She received numerous MVP and Coaches Awards for her contributions to her high school tennis team. After high school, Robin attended Methodist College and played on the tennis team there as well, once again being named MVP. A skilled bowler, she belonged to multiple adult bowling leagues for many years, including on a mixed doubles team with her father. It was an experience they both treasured.

Throughout her life, she remained an enthusiastic sports fan, especially of women’s college basketball and the WNBA, and spread that passion to others. She attended many Charlotte Sting and Washington Mystics games, and supported NC State’s Wolfpack Women’s Basketball team.

Robin was employed in many different positions over the years, but the most fulfilling for her were those that involved caring for animals. Her final job, prior to ceasing work due to disability, was at NC State University Veterinary School, caring for patients there. Animals naturally gravitated to her. She gave a loving home to many cats and dogs over her lifetime, and found homes for others. She was a willing and valued pet sitter for both family members and friends.

Sensitive and unfailingly courteous to all, Robin cared a great deal about justice, and believed that food, shelter and health care are a basic human right. Robin gave steadfast support and love to those close to her and was significant help to her mother and father throughout their lives.

She was loving, generous and fun and brought joy, laughter and light to the lives of all who knew and loved her. She was quick with a joke. She was a natural dancer, and loved to sing along with upbeat music from artists ranging from Hall and Oates to Lizzo. She enjoyed occasional trips to the beach and mountains, Las Vegas, New York, St. John, Texas, and other places with loved ones and friends.

Robin also had a deep and abiding faith, which supported her during difficult times. Her loved ones know that she is now with the angels, her parents, and her many cats and dogs.

Robin is survived by her sisters Karen Carter-Marshall (Miles Marshall); Susan Carter (Ricardo Contreras); her fiancé Tonia Burdett; her dog Katie and cats Alex and Mikey; several cousins in Pennsylvania; and many devoted friends.

In lieu of gifts, please make a donation in Robin’s name to your local animal shelter.

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