Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Perhaps the most beloved mother of all time, Doris Butt Carpenter. 93, recently of Colonial Beach, Virginia and formerly of Great Falls, Virginia gently slipped from this earth on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Doris was born in Perquimans County, North Carolina on September 22, 1930, the second child of the late Chester Arthur and Nina Ownley Butt. She grew up on a quintessential North Carolina farm with her four sisters and one brother. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy O’Neal, Jean Lane and Norma Butt and her brother Ronald Butt.

At age 17, Doris enrolled in the WWII-era United States Nursing Corp, leaving rural New Hope, North Carolina for the big city and indoor plumbing. It was there in Washington, D.C., she met her future husband, a smooth talking northerner, Anson “Steve” Carpenter. Her brief nursing career soon transitioned to a lifelong passion of raising eight children and nurturing her community. Doris was a loving and dedicated mother who was very active in her community. She was active in 4-H for decades, was a proud member of the Great Falls Historical Society and United Methodist Church, revered Ice Cream Maker at Thelma’s Country Store, a published author, and recipient of numerous civic awards.

Doris had a love for photography and the beauty of nature. After raising her children, she returned to school and earned more degrees and enjoyed working at the Fairfax Hospital Gift Shop, the Great Falls Library and as a Virginia Elections Officer.

While Doris loved and embraced her adopted Northern Virginia home, she remained rooted in the traditional Carolina values of modesty, loyalty, love of nature and hard work.

Doris is preceded in death by her husband Anson S. Carpenter. Surviving are her children, Lilise (Jeff), Doranne (Russ), Anson (Anne), Lanse (Grace), Reyan (Colleen), Thione (Michael), Dea (Ed), and Steven (Kathryn). Also surviving is her sister, Faye Eure (Curtis); 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Great Falls United Methodist Church, 10100 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. Funeral services will be held immediately after at the same location at 11:00 am.

Storke Funeral Home, King George is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.storkefuneralhome.com.