Walden Carter

On April 2, 2013, at 12:44 am, Walden Carter answered the call to come Home and enter his eternal rest at the Hospice Home, in Raleigh, NC. Known affectionately by his daughter as Daddy, to his granddaughter as Pop-Pop, he was also known as Brother Walden, Uncle Walden, Cousin Walden. In addition, for many years, he was Deacon Walden Carter and in the sunset of his life, Rev. Walden Carter.

Walden was born on November 26, 1926 at home in Hume, VA to the late Arthur Milton Carter and Martha Washington Carter. He was one of thirteen-- three sisters—Nannie, Martha, and Dorothy; and eight brothers—Samuel, Thomas, Daniel, Cornelius, Earl, Arthur Milton, Jr, Charles and Wallace preceded him in death.

Dad accepted Christ at an early age. He had shared that he first remembers wearing a green suit coming to Mt. Morris with his Mom around age seven (1934). And he served faithful ever since. Walden loved God, his family and his church. He was a Sunday School teacher, both youth and adults, sang in the Senior Choir, a President of the MMC Club and Pastor’s Aid Club and was on the Mt. Morris Deacon Board until the time he accepted the call and became an ordained minister in 2006. He became the oldest minister to be ordained within the 2nd National Kectoctan Association at the age of 80.

He loved his country as well, serving in the United States Army, 1954–1956. He was an honorably discharged Korean War veteran. He was also active in the American Legion post 174 in Front Royal, VA.

On December 24, 1960 at 6:00pm, Walden married the love of his life, Evelyn Ferguson. From that union was born one daughter, Robin Victoria. They were married for 47 ½ years before Evelyn preceded him in death. They enjoyed their years together and left a legacy that with God all things are possible. Just keep God first.

Dad loved to bring joy to others and one of the ways he did that was through his poetry. In fact he has probably written for many of you here today. He has written countless poems on a variety of topics—he was gifted with words. Dad loved children. He along with Mom looked forward to opportunities to bring a smile to a child’s face whether by giving out candy, coins or kind words. He always celebrated when a new niece or nephew was born. So you can imagine his delight when he was blessed with his own granddaughter! He loved the water, to fish and the beach. He met no strangers, and enjoyed going to the Senior Center while he was in Front Royal where he made lots of new friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted daughter, Robin V. Sessoms ,one son-in-law, Everette Sessoms both of Raleigh, NC; one granddaughter, Carter; one brother, Jesse Carter; four brothers in law: Eugene Ferguson, Haywood Dial, Hugh M. Ferguson, Jr., and David Ferguson; five sisters in law: Barbara Carter, Bessie Carter, Odell Carter, Ethel Dial, and Mildred Ferguson; two friends who have been constants, Rev. Alfred Wood and Rev. Charles Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.