Obituary

Elsie Prichard Carter passed away peacefully in her home on December 10, 2025. She was 88 years old.

Born in Charleston, WV, to parents Elizabeth Smith Prichard and Frederick Walker Prichard, Elsie attended Charleston High School and then the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY. While a student at Sweetbriar College in Lynchburg, VA, Elsie met William H. (“Bill”) Carter, then a University of Virginia student, whose steady companionship would anchor the next six decades of her life. They married in 1960 and went on to raise four children: Will, Alice, Catherine, and Fred.

Elsie returned to her hometown in 1970 with her husband and four children in tow. In Charleston, Bill began his long career in cardiology while Elsie ran the household and gave generously of her time and talents to community organizations devoted to helping others. She was especially committed to supporting the mission of Daymark, an organization that provides essential aid to young people in crisis.

A passionate supporter of Charleston’s music scene, Elsie was a beloved and familiar presence in the city’s concert halls and small venues alike. She and Bill held season tickets to the West Virginia Symphony, and they attended live performances of chamber music, jazz, bluegrass, old-time, and musical theater whenever they could. Elsie served for years on the board of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.

Another constant in Elsie’s life was her love of her family’s place in Lewisburg, WV, where she spent time with her many cousins, raised and rode horses, and enjoyed listening to the old time and bluegrass music made by many of her relatives.

Elsie is survived by her husband Bill, her sister Tudy Russell, her children Will, Alice, and Fred, daughter-in-law Martha Cook Carter, son-in-law Bruce Larson, grandchildren Trace (married to Leland Wolfson), Lily, Ellis, Celia, William, and Eliza, step granddaughters Savannah Wiza (married to Drew Wiza), and Rowan Zoeller, and step great-grandchildren Felix and Coraline. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins who held her dear. She was preceded in death by her daughter Catherine Carter and her older brother Fred Prichard.

Elsie’s family will host a gathering for Elsie’s many friends and admirers to visit with each other and Elsie’s family from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Women’s Club, 1600 Virginia Street East, in Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Daymark at daymark.org.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.