Elaine Strickland Carter, 74, passed away November 25, 2024.  She was born in Tarboro, NC the daughter of the late Ralph Brown Strickland, Sr. and Irene Scott Strickland.  She was predeceased by her son, Jeffrey Morse; and sister, Vickie Belch.  After high school, Elaine worked for 11 years at Chesapeake Auto Supply in Norfolk, VA.  She later went on to work and then retired after 26 years as a computer specialist supervisor for SUPSHIP Portsmouth where she won several awards throughout her career.  After retirement, she worked 7 years part-time for CaCi.

Elaine loved to travel especially on cruise ships.  She loved to shop, entertain guests, photography, and flowers.  She loved her home and her kitchen and was a tremendous cook.  She was famous for her snickerdoodle cookies even getting her recipe published in Southern Living.  She cared for her family immensely and played a big support role in her family's life.  She always put others before herself.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 33 years, Cary Edwin Carter; son, David Thomas Morse, Jr.; daughters, Wanda Gail Carter, Penny Lynn Carter, and Crystal Dawn Carter; grandchildren, Sergio Carter, Casey Morse, and Laila Rodriguez; sister and brother-in-law, Rachel and Steve Timmons; brother, Ralph Brown Strickland, Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Halley officiating.  She is inurned at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.