Dorris Pauline Carter, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on June 27, 1928, near Paducah, Texas, she was the beloved daughter of L.E. "Pete" and Pauline Vaughn. In 1937, the family moved to Amherst, Texas.

A bright and ambitious student who loved to read, Dorris graduated from Amherst High School in 1945. In 1952, she married Franklin Duane Carter, a hardworking farmer from Amherst, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and faith.

In 1963, Dorris and Duane and their four children moved to Miami, Oklahoma, where they embarked on a new venture in cattle ranching. As her youngest child entered school in the fall of 1964, Dorris, who was never one to stop learning, decided to pursue a college degree as a part-time student at Northeastern A&M Junior College and finally earned a degree in Education in 1970 from Missouri Southern University in Joplin, Missouri.

Her passion for teaching led her to her first role as an educator at Welch Public School in Welch, Oklahoma, where she taught social studies and served as the Cheer Coach for the Wildcats until 1977. That same year, she and Duane returned to Amherst, Texas, where she continued her teaching career at Amherst Public School and later taught at Springlake-Earth Public School. After years of inspiring students, she retired in 1992, and became a fulltime grandmother and housewife.

Dorris Pauline Carter brought light, laughter, and warmth to everyone lucky enough to know her. If you had the privilege of being in her presence, you were undoubtedly fed well, loved well, and always entertained. She had a recipe for everything and could whip up a five-course meal in no time, making any gathering feel like a feast. She lived boldly, never hesitating to speak her mind, always dressed in fabulous jumpsuits and colorful shoes that matched her vibrant personality.

Her passion for learning, teaching, and caring for her family was an inspiration to all who crossed her path. Together with her beloved Duane, Dorris embraced life's adventures, traveling in their RV and exploring new places. She loved to read books and cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren. A devoted lifelong member of her church, she found joy in her relationship with Christ and the fellowship with other believers.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Duane Carter, her sister, Helen Priddy, her other brother, Bob Vaughn and her daughter, Margie Nickerson who was married to Jerry Nickerson from Dewey, Ok.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her brother Glenn Vaughn of Lubbock, Texas; her daughter Shirley Carter of Miami, Oklahoma; and her two sons, Billy Carter and his wife Betty of Jenks, Oklahoma, and James Carter and his wife Patricia, who reside in the Farmersville, Texas area. Dorris's legacy extends across generations, as she is cherished by 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. May we honor her by carrying forward her kindness, curiosity, and zest for life.

A funeral is scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on June 17th, 2025, at the Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E. 91st Street South, Tulsa, Oklahoma. For those that can't make the funeral please note that it will be livestreamed. Go to her Obituary page on the web site noted below. A visitation time for the family will be offered from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. on June 16th at the location mentioned above. Flowers, memories, and condolences can be sent or shared at the Fitzgerald Funeral Service, Southwood Colonial Chapel ( www.fitzgeraldfuneralservice.com ) in Tulsa, OK. Their phone number is (918) 291-3500.