Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8

Our beloved, Mary Frances Carter, was born, October 15, 1939 in Johnstown, PA. She was the youngest of three children born the late Cora Frances and Hunter Carter. As a young teen, Mary relocated to Winchester, VA and finished her education in the Winchester Public School System, graduating from Frederick Douglass High School. Mary gave her life to Christ and joined John Mann United Methodist Church where she faithfully served for many years. She was a longtime member of the Usher Board, Finance Committee, United Methodist Women and served as a Counter. In addition to making a difference in her church, Mary made a difference in her community through her memberships with the Daughters of the Elks and the Jolly Poodles Club.

Mary was the proud mother of four; Dennis, James (Peanut), David and Anne, and was a second mother to many others. Her four children were her world; there was nothing she wouldn't do for them. She loved her family and was a caring daughter, sister, cousin, niece, aunt and a loyal and faithful friend. The warmth and kindness she gave to others made her home the gathering place for family and friends. The first weekend of May every year, Apple Blossom, Mary's home was filled to overflowing with family, friends and friends of friends who would come to share good food (like her famous ham and potato salad) good conversation and good company. Mary's loving kindness and gentle spirit touched the hearts of all with whom she crossed paths.

For 30 years Mary was a highly valued employee of the A&P grocery store where she was well liked by management, co-workers and customers alike. In fact, there were several customers who chose to make their grocery purchases in Mary's line only, no matter how long her line was. After leaving A&P Mary worked at BB&T Bank and most recently at Virginia National Bank. Just like her A&P customers Mary's banking customers looked forward to seeing her smiling face and the having the opportunity to share a few words with her.

Mary was preceded in death by two sons, James C. Burks, Sr. and David L. Burks, Jr.; parents, Cora Frances Shields and Hunter Carter; sister, Joyce Ambers; and brother James Carter. She leaves to carry on her legacy a daughter, Anne C. Burks of Winchester, VA, a son Dennis (Ella) Burks of South Riding, VA, and a daughter-in-love, Karen Burks of Upper Marlboro, MD. Also left to cherish her memory are ten grandchildren and grandchildren-in-love; Damien Robinson, James, Jonathan and Kelsey Burks, Delrease Thomas, Melissa Goodwin, Wendy Settles, Samantha Settles, Felipe Settles, and Latasha Lewis Settles; 14 great grandchildren, a special nephew, Brian Carter (Susan), nieces, cousins and a host of other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 12:00 noon Thursday November 5th 2015 at Wesley United Methodist Church 527 Van Fossen Street in Winchester, VA.

Family will receive friends one hour before service at the church.

Interment will be in Orrick Cemetery in Winchester, VA