Karen Sophr Carter, 87, of Daleville passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday May 24, 2023.
Karen was born on June 25, 1935 in Berlin, Germany. She was the daughter of classical composer Norbert Schultze and actress Vera Spohr. The turmoil and struggles of having grown up in World War II Germany and experiencing several childhood evacuations helped shape Karen into a resilient and fiercely determined person.
Karen emigrated to the U.S. in 1959 and married L. Clyde Carter Jr. that same year. She had three children, and as a full-time stay-at-home mother, she volunteered with the American Red Cross and as a nurse’s aide. She completed her college degree and graduated summa cum laude from Hollins University. Soon after, she attended University of Tuebingen Seminary in Germany, and then Bethany Theological Seminary in Elgin, Ili., to earn her Masters’ in Theology. She was ordained into the Church of the Brethren and served the denomination at a national, district, and local level.
Karen’s life has been punctuated by social and political activism, and enriched by a deep appreciation of classical music and art. She sculpted, played guitar, harp, and cello and more recently spent most of her free time caring for her flowers. She was most recently an active member in the Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke.
In addition to her parents, preceding her is her husband of 60 years Clyde; brother, Roderich Schultze. Karen is survived by her daughter, Claudia Carter Egge of Cary, N.C.; sons and daughters-in-law Kermon (Jennifer) Carter of Daleville, Leonard C. (Michelle) Carter III, Los Angeles, Calif.; sisters, Sabine Gross and Veronika Dehnhard, both of Germany; and five grandchildren: Corinna, Bailee, Alexia, Cecilia, and Ava.
A memorial service honoring Karen’s life will be held at The Glebe Retirement Community (Botetourt Room), 200 The Glebe Boulevard, Daleville, at 2 p.m. Saturday June 3. Officiating will be Gerri McDaniel and Ben Brannon.
Online condolences may be made to Karen’s family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.
