Erma Jo Carter

She was born in Bassett on July 24, 1944 to the late W.T. “Bill” Carter, Sr. and the late Virginia Gale.

Erma Jo went on to graduate from Longwood College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and then advanced her education with a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia. Her entire career was centered around the education of children, having retired from Henry County Public Schools after 31 years of service, and then working for 10 years post-retirement as an outreach educator for the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Continuing her passion for youth education, she co-founded “Step-Ahead,” a tutoring and mentor program at Smith Memorial United Methodist Church in 2005, and served as an educator in the program until her passing.

She was a long-standing member of the Martinsville Exchange Club, where she served as secretary and was awarded the “Exchangite of the Year” designation in both 2009-2010 and 2014-2015, as well as “Senior Citizen of the Year” in 2012. She was also a volunteer with Grace Network for many years and a devoted member of Smith Memorial United Methodist Church for over 30 years.

She is survived by her brother, W.T. “Tom” Carter, Jr. and wife, Gwen Carter of Hickory, NC; Son, James Carter Underwood and wife, Tiffani Underwood of Martinsville; daughter, Jenifer Jo Setliff of Collinsville; three grandchildren, Finley and Camille Underwood of Martinsville and Daniel Setliff of Collinsville; great-grandchild, Brantley Setliff; dear life-long friend, Kay Boaz, and furry friend, LeiLo.

She is preceded in death by her brother Gary Lee Carter of Dallas, TX.

The family will greet friends from 2:00 – 3:30 pm on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Smith Memorial United Methodist Church in Collinsville. A memorial service will be conducted at the church at 4:00 pm with Rev. Kameron Wilds conducting, assisted by Rev. Bob Edwards. A Celebration of Life reception will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Step-Ahead program of Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1081, Collinsville, VA 24078.