Vicki Martin Carter

Vicki Lynn Martin Carter passed away unexpectedly on December 26, 2025. She was a loving daughter, devoted wife, proud mother, and lifelong cat lover whose warmth, generosity, and radiant smile left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Vicki was born on April 23, 1966, in Columbus, Georgia, the beloved only child of the late James and Shelby Martin. When she was young, the Martin family moved to Raleigh, which became the place she truly called home. From an early age, Vicki’s beautiful smile and open heart drew people to her. Her circle of friends grew throughout her life, and many of those friendships endured for decades, a testament to the care and attention she gave to the people she loved.

Vicki met the love of her life, Johnnie Richardson Carter III (John), while attending Athens Drive High School. Their bond continued through their years at East Carolina University, where Vicki pledged Chi Omega and formed lifelong friendships with her Chi O sisters. A proud Pirate, she never lost her love for ECU and continued to enjoy tailgates and time with friends long after graduation. Vicki and John were married on May 20, 1989, and built a life together in Raleigh filled with love, laughter, and community. After a nine-year honeymoon, they welcomed their first son, John IV, in 1998, followed by James in 2001 and daughter Callie in 2006.

Vicki’s family was the very center of her world. She was a devoted and joyful mother, and her home was a place of warmth, comfort, and constant connection. It was the kind of home where friends and family naturally gathered, where people felt welcome the moment they walked in, and where Vicki was always at the heart of it all. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond people—throughout her life, Vicki lovingly cared for countless cats. Her generous heart never allowed her to turn away a stray.

After Callie started school, Vicki employed her caring nature as a Teacher’s Assistant at Combs Elementary School and Christ Church Preschool, where she supported and encouraged young children with patience and kindness. In recent years, her focus returned fully to nurturing her family and maintaining the many relationships that brought her joy. She found happiness at the beach and at the University Club pool, where she spent many sunny days surrounded by friends.

Vicki’s love language was giving. It showed up in big and small ways: the snacks she kept on her front porch for delivery drivers, the thoughtful and heartfelt gifts she gave to loved ones, the volunteer hours with the Sanderson Band, and the countless quiet acts of kindness that often went unseen. Her final and most profound gift was as an organ donor. Through her generosity, others will be given the chance for a longer and healthier life.

Vicki will be deeply missed by her husband, John; her children, John, James, and Callie; John’s fiancée, Kaiann Nehrenz and Callie’s boyfriend Jeffery Wheeler. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Laura Brooks (Mark); and her niece, Mary-Margaret Rice (Ben); along with her many friends who felt like family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 4, at 2:00 p.m. at Westover United Methodist Church in Raleigh. A reception and visitation will follow the service. The service will be livestreamed through, https://www.facebook.com/westoverUMCRaleigh

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Wake County or an animal rescue of your choice.

Service arrangements provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.