Jesse Edward Carter
Jesse Edward Carter, 87, of Martinsville, Virginia, transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born November 23, 1938, in Henry County to the late James Hairston and Viola Carter Gravely.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Norma J. Dillard Carter; son, Jimmy Tinsley; sister, Mary E. Hairston; brothers, Thomas W. Gravely, Sr., Ronald Hairston, and Gary Hairston; and two grandchildren.
Jesse worked for many years at Bassett Walker. He was a faithful member and deacon of Alpha Faith Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church and loved attending church. Jesse enjoyed spending time walking the mall, cooking, and admiring old cars. He was also a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. Above all, Jesse loved his family dearly. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved cracking jokes, and enjoyed making those around him laugh.
He is survived by his daughters, Iris Beane (Wes), Sandra Tinsley, Nachelle Swanson (Isaac), and Cherwanda Carter; sons, Jesse Carter, Jr., Anthony Dillard, James Carter (Jennifer), and bonus son, Javis Moorman; sisters, Martha Hodge, Mildred Gravely, Mary J. Myers, Lois J. Heiniger (Richard), and Ernestine Penn (Pete); brother, Jesse Bo Gravely (Deborah), Calvin L. Gravely (Judy), Donald Hairston, Curtis Hairston, David Hairston, and Lamont Hairston; twenty grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A funeral will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service – Martinsville Chapel with Elder Ronald Pool officiating. A Visitation will be held one half hour prior to the service. Burial will be private. A floating visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1:30 to 5:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service – Martinsville Chapel.
Family will receive friends and extend family on Friday, September 25, 2026, Saturday, September 26, 2026, Friday, October 2, 2026, and Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 115 Big Jane Street, Martinsville, Virginia 24112, from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.
