Mary Oma Miller Carter

Mary Oma Miller Carter passed away at her home in Croasdaile Village, Durham, NC, on May 28, 2012, after a brief illness. Born in Spencer, NC on October 18, 1922, the only child of David C. and Mary Oma Miller Miller, she graduated from Spencer High School in 1939, and enrolled at Catawba College. That fall, she also began teaching dancing , a career that spanned 49 years. Carter School of Dancing became a Salisbury instituition during that time. Mary Oma also taught in Macon, GA, while the family resided there from 1968-73. The National Dance Association honored her “dedicated and inspiring teaching of dance” with their Plaudit Award, when she was nominated by former student and dance professor, Aramenta Little. Family has always been Mary Oma’s source of pride and strength. She and Sam Carter were married August 22, 1941, and were blessed with 4 children: Charles S. Carter of Raleigh, NC, Betsy Carter Schauf of Rochester, NY, and sons David and Bill, who predeceased her. Mary Oma doted on her 5 grandchildren, Matt, Carter, and Peter Schauf, and Sam and Katy Carter. And the special joys of her life are 3 great-granddaughters, Kaylen (5), Emily (3), and Lyla (4 mos) Schauf. Mary Oma and Sam devoted their retirement years to fighting for effective treatment for the mentally ill. They became founding members of the NC-Alliance for the Mentally Ill(NC-AMI) in 1983. They led fund-raising efforts to establish and furnish a support center for mentally ill patients trying to return to jobs and home, and avoid further hospitalization. It was named “The Carter House” in recognition of their devotion to the urgent need for improved mental health services. The Carter House continues offering support and friendship to many in Salisbury, having recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of service to the community. The Carters went on to serve on State Commissions for Mental Health, appointed by the governor. They have been honored for their extraordinary public service by the Civitans, J C Penney Co, and “Nine Who Care”, and others. Mary Oma was proud of her accomplishments but hopes that her efforts will inspire others to work for continued improvement in treatment options for the mentally ill, and their families. Funeral services will be held at the family gravesite at City Memorial Park at 3 pm on Sunday, June 3, 2012, conducted by Rev. Steve Haines, First United Methodist Church of Salisbury. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that gifts be made in her name to Nami North Carolina, 309 W Millbrook Rd,Ste 121, Raleigh, NC 27609-4394; or to www.naminc.org. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Carter family. Online condolences may be made to www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Mary Oma Miller Carter

October 18, 1922 - May 28, 2012