February 3, 2026, 78, Mount Olive – Dixie Rose Hardy Carter, 78, was welcomed into her heavenly home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. She was born in Wayne County on November 2, 1947, to the late William Randolph Hardy and Florence Elizabeth Mozingo Hardy. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth King; a son, Glen King; a grandson, David Greenup; and her sisters, Regina Stelley, Gwynn Holland, and Betty Deaver.
Dixie worked at Crouse-Hinds until her retirement and later served for several years as secretary at Spring Creek Baptist Church. Devoted to her Lord and her church, this role was a perfect fit. She was a faithful and active participant in the church’s ministries and especially enjoyed attending the Youth at Heart events.
A skilled dancer, Dixie loved gathering with friends at local dance halls. She was especially grateful for a chance encounter on the dance floor with Billy Carter, a meeting that blossomed into a beautiful marriage of nearly twenty-two years.
Sassy, stubborn, and speedy, Dixie was known for her heavy foot and her ability to tell it like it was. She loved shopping trips and was just as content browsing Dollar General as she was shopping at her favorite stores, JCPenney and Belk-Tylers.
Family-oriented at heart, Dixie cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Meals at her home were always delicious, but the family was especially pleased when chicken and rice or chicken salad was on the menu. One of her favorite traditions was gathering the family on Christmas Eve to share fellowship, fun, and her famous fruitcake cookies.
Dixie’s love for her family was great, and her love for the Lord was even greater. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her earthly sickness is no longer a hindrance as she now enjoys eternal life with the Lord.
A graveside service to celebrate Dixie’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church Cemetery, with Pastor Tom Rose officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Dixie is survived by her husband of nearly twenty-two years, Billy Carter; daughter, Cheryl Quinn and husband Shawn; son, William King; stepsons, Chris Carter and wife Amanda, and Brian Carter and wife Crystal; grandchildren, Ashley Tucker (Kevin), Swayze Greenup (Cohen Marshburn), Raechel King-Gray, Heather Osuba (Samuel), Samantha Gulino, Stephen Quinn (Haley), Aeris Carter, Noah Carter, and Addison Carter; great-grandchildren, Alex, Davin, Emma, Sloan, Zoey, Akira, Stella, Kannon, and Bennett; brother, Billy Hardy and wife Patricia; sister-in-law, Eudine Hardy; best friend, Rosie Ingerman; and a special friend she considered a daughter, Julie Holmes.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
