Leslie Carter (née Dobkins), born August 8, 1945, passed away at the age of 81 on August 20, 2026. A Dallas native and Marine Corps veteran, she spent most of her career in education: first, with a bachelor's in English from North Texas State University (now UNT), she taught at the former Adamson H.S. in Oak Cliff. From there, she obtained a master’s degree in library science at Texas Women’s University (TWU), becoming a librarian at Clark H.S. and then a district-wide library coordinator in Plano ISD, until her retirement. She held a wide range of interests, including reading, writing poetry and short stories, painting, and performing arts, particularly dance and music - the latter evidenced by her singing with both the Plano Civic Chorus and the First UMC Plano choir. She will truly be missed by both family and friends for her sweet spirit and resilience.
She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Robert, as well as her parents, Charles & Lora Dobkins, and her sister, Dinah Bleau. She is survived by her daughter, Maria Carter, step-daughters Janet Randolph, Linda Panther, and Beverly Carter; her niece, Amanda Oglesby, great nieces Ashlyn & Jane Oglesby; as well as many of her husband’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be held at the Ted Dickey West Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 29th from 5 – 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church - Plano on September 30th at 9:30 AM, followed by a brief reception at the church, and then a service with military honors to be held at the DFW National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or to the Texas Ballet Theatre.
