Following a stroke and a brief illness, Diana A. Carter, 84, of Reidsville peacefully passed away at Ancora Compassionate Care hospice in Wentworth on April 21, 2025.
The former Diana Lee Auman was born on August 27, 1940, to Charles M. and Carrie Lee Auman. Diana graduated from Reidsville High School in 1957 and earned her college degree at Elon College. For several years Diana worked as a secretary for Social Services in Raleigh and then for the North Carolina Employment Security Commission in Greensboro.
In 1973 she returned to Reidsville and married the love of her life Robert Wray (“Bob”) Carter, Jr. Diana worked for thirty years at Rockingham Community College as secretary for Dr. William E. Knight.
Bob, North Carolina’s 1987 “Historian of the Year”, was Rockingham County’s longtime historian. Diana was Bob’s secret sauce– his devoted companion on field trips near and far, sounding board, stenographer and faithful proofreader. Bob passed away in June 2024 shortly after celebrating their fifty-first wedding anniversary.
Diana had a wide array of loyal friends, a natural curiosity and a ready smile. She was genuinely lighthearted and never lost her silly side. In her prime no one could solve a “Wheel of Fortune” puzzle faster. She enjoyed word searches and lived for Carolina Tarheels basketball.
Diana was faith filled and a lifelong member of Reidsville’s First Baptist Church where her father Charles served for many years as its Treasurer. Until recent years she regularly attended Sunday School and was a member of the “Joy” handbell ringers. When she worked in Raleigh she attended Hayes Barton Baptist Church.
For a number of years Diana was a hospice volunteer. In 2023 Diana moved to Reidsville’s Brookdale Senior Living facility.
She is predeceased by her parents Carrie Lee and Charles M. Auman and husband Robert Wray Carter, Jr. She is survived by Bob and Diana’s son Thomas W. Carter. As was the case during his father’s last months, Tom was a true blessing to his mother; he was constantly at his mother’s side during her final days bringing her comfort and joy. Other survivors include Diana’s sister, Sally Pinnix (Jack); niece, Jennifer Haigwood and nephew, William Haigwood.
In lieu of flowers for those wishing to honor Diana please consider a donation to the Rockingham Community College Retired Faculty and Staff Scholarship at Rockingham Community College. Secure on-line contributions may be made on the school’s website: rockinghamcc.edu or by mail: RCC Foundation, Inc., Post Office Box 38, Wentworth, NC 27375-0038
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