Martha Fanning Carter

Martha Fanning Carter passed away on April 8, 2009, from complications due to a lengthy illness. Mrs. Carter was born on January 17, 1950, in Brownwood, Texas, and was raised by her parents James and Charlsie (Woodruff) Fanning, both deceased, in Comanche, Texas. After their marriage in 1969, Martha and her husband Ed made their home in Abilene where they raised their only son Lance, and for the past twenty-three years, they have resided in Ovalo. Mrs. Carter was a graduate of Hendrick's School of Nursing in 1976 and received the award as the outstanding member of the graduating R.N.s of that year for caring and compassionate work with her patients. She worked in various nursing positions in the Abilene area, and her last position was the founding Director of the then Humana Hospital Senior's Association where she was cited nationally for her leadership in all Humana Hospitals in the U.S. for a membership of around 14,000. She is most remembered by all those she cared for during her professional career for her true interest in those she met, for her kindness, tact, competence, responsibility, and happily for all, her smile, laughter, and sense of humor. She was also a founding member of a support group for people afflicted with MS and their families. She remained an active participant as long as she was physically able. Mrs. Carter is survived by her husband Ed Carter of Ovalo, her son Lance Carter of Houston, her sister Catherine Fanning of Mexico City, her mother-in-law Bobbie Crosby and her sister-in-law Tona Adams, both of Early. She also leaves several nephews, a niece, cousins, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her brother James Woodruff Fanning of Arlington and South Padre Island. The family will hold a visitation on Friday April 10 from 5-7 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Graveside services will be conducted on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 in Comanche in the Garden of Memories Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Lone Star Chapter, 2105 Luna Rd. Carrollton, TX 75006 or http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/TXH/index.aspx