Our dear mother, Elizabeth Terry Carter, sadly passed away on May 4, 2024 at the age of 91. Terry, as she was known, was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her.
Terry Hamilton was born in Chicago, IL in 1932. Her parents were Lee Myers Hamilton and Mary Madeline Hauer. Her father passed away before she was born. Terry spent her early childhood in New York City. In 1943, her mother was recruited by The National Security Agency, and she and her mother moved to Arlington, VA. She graduated from Washington and Lee High School in 1950, and enrolled in The College of William and Mary.
At William and Mary, Terry met the love of her life, James D. (Jim) Carter, from Williamsburg. He was a W&M law school graduate. Terry married Jim shortly after her graduation from William and Mary in 1954. They moved to Richmond in 1955 where Jim was employed as a Special Agent for Aetna Insurance Company. Terry became employed as a Social Worker for the City of Richmond. In 1959 they returned to Williamsburg where Jim went into business with Dick Benschoten. Together they formed the firm Benschoten and Carter Insurance and Real Estate Company, Inc.
Terry was never one to sit idle. Terry worked in the family businesses which included USA International Tours, Ramada Camp Inn, (later known as First Settler’s Campground of Williamsburg), and Benschoten and Carter Real Estate. She received her Broker’s License in 1980.
Terry’s interests included art, music, movies, gardening, reading and traveling. She loved shopping and would make a point to try every new restaurant that would open in Williamsburg. She was an amazing cook in her own right. She was a member of the Queen’s Lake Garden Club for many years. Terry and Jim were loyal fans of William and Mary sports, and attended almost every William and Mary home football game from 1959 until 2018. In addition, both were proud members of the Old Guard at William and Mary. Terry loved to host and attend gatherings with family and friends.
Known for her wit, loving nature, and kindness, Terry will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Terry’s family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, not the sadness of her passing. Terry is predeceased by her husband, James D. Carter III. She is survived by her two sons, James (Jay) D. Carter and his wife, Ilse; Lee H. Carter; and a granddaughter, Grace Carter.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the James D. Carter, Jr. scholarship fund at The College of William and Mary. Checks should be made payable to William and Mary and sent to the Gift Accounting Office, P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187.
Burial will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Friday, May 10, 2024 at 1 p.m.
