Ann Jacqueline Thomason Carter

Ann Thomason Carter, 91, of Salem passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. She was the daughter of the late, Jack and Tempe Thomason; and was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alan “Red” Carter.

Ann dedicated her life to education, sharing her passion for English and Drama with generations of students at Andrew Lewis High School and Salem High School. A graduate of Richmond Professional Institute now known as VCU, she also pursued graduate studies at Virginia Tech. Her love for the arts and creativity extended far beyond the classroom. She had an extraordinary ability to see beauty and potential in everything. Nothing was ever considered waste. Ann found purpose and artistry in even the simplest of objects.

She is survived by her sister, Diana Thomason of Salem; nephews, Tommy Crowder (Connie), and Mark Crowder (Mary), of Salem; niece, Mary Painter (Johnny “Paint”) of Waynesboro, Va; and numerous great nephews and nieces. Also left to cherish her memory include her dear cats, Cee Cee and KoKo.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 10 until 11 a.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, in Salem, where a funeral service to honor Ann’s life will begin at 11 a.m., in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Greg Hetherington officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA of The Roanoke Valley in Ann’s honor. Her compassion and creativity will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those lives she touched.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.