Norma Jean Carter

Norma Jean Carter, 73, of Martinsville, Virginia, entered her eternal rest Friday, October 3, 2025. She was born January 28, 1952, in Henry County to the late Sam Henry Dillard and Janie Penn Dillard.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Tinsley and brothers, Leon Dillard and Alfred Dillard.

Norma was of the Christian faith and a member of Alpha Faith Temple where she found a loving faith community. She was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School, class of 1969. She was employed for ten years in the textile industry with Garmetech. Norma handled life with a gracious sense of humor and loved to crack jokes. She loved to talk on the phone, particularly to her sister, Linda. She enjoyed watching television, with Law and Order being her favorite drama. Those who knew her knew she loved good music. Her life was filled with joy, especially when making memories with her family and her grandchildren. Her legacy of love will forever be etched into the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Jesse Carter; stepmother, Eva Dillard; daughters, Iris Carter Beane (Wes), Sandra Tinsley, Nachelle Swanson (Issac), Cherwanda Carter; sons, Jesse Carter, Jr., Anthony Dillard, James Carter (Jennifer); sisters, Linda Dillard, Sheila D. Madden (Chris), Allison Dillard, Jacquelyn Tinsley (Lamont), Karen Tartt (Cece); brothers, James R. Dillard (Lisa), Keith Norman (Claudia), Roger Dillard (Marie), Christopher Dillard, Dawn Price (Elizabeth); twenty grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Chapel with Elder Pool officiating. Visitation will be held one-half hour prior to the service. Visitation will be other times at the home, 4276 Mount Olivet Road, Martinsville, Virginia.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.