Dorothy Louise Napier Carter, 75, left this world and journeyed to Heaven to be reunited with the love of her life, the late Arthur Carter Jr. on Monday, December 23, 2013, in Crozet.

Born October 25, 1938, in Charlottesville to the late Dorothy Smith Napier and the late Bill Napier, she grew up in Covesville with her brother Bob who lives in Niceville, Fla., with his wife, Judy. Her stepmother Dorothy Clements Napier and half-brothers, Wes and Robert Napier survive her, as well.

Dot was a graduate of Albemarle High School and she attended Ferrum College. She met Arthur at a Valentine's party in 1956 and they married in Louisville in 1957 while he was stationed at Fort Knox. They settled in Batesville where they raised their five children, Debbie Pannell, who lives in Batesville with her husband, J.C.; Tammy James and her husband, Billy who live in Sugar Hollow. Son Bert lives in Amherst with his partner, Tara Giannini; Tuck and his partner, Chat Coats call both Dallas, Texas and Columbus, Ohio, home; while her youngest, Heidi, lives in Ruckersville with her partner, Glenn Parsons. Her "adopted" family, Gloria and Jerry (Petie) Baber, live in Batesville.

She was proud of her grandchildren. Her oldest, Johanna Drumheller, predeceased her in 2010; her husband, Scott Drumheller survives her. Surviving grandchildren are Matthew Pannell and his wife Christy, Tarah Miller, Will James and his wife, Jessica, Luke James and his wife, Amy, Ben James, Ian Carter, Amanda Carter, Drew Carter, and Graham Carter. Also surviving are her "bonus" grandchildren, Brittany Parsons, Hunter Parsons, and Piper Giannini. Seven great-grandchildren also survive her.

Her family is thankful for the compassionate care provided by Selena Gutshall and the staff at Blue Ridge Adult Care in Crozet as well as The Hospice of the Piedmont.

In honor of her wishes, a commemoration of her life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, December 28, 2013, at Crozet Baptist Church to be followed immediately by a continuation of the celebration by sharing food and fellowship in Gillum Hall at the church. The Rev. David Collyer and the Rev. Colleen Swingle-Titus will lead the remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in her memory to The Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 (www.hopva.org) or The Caring Ministry of Crozet Baptist Church, 5804 St. George Ave, Crozet, VA 22932. Teague Funeral Service is charged with her arrangements.