10/14/2025
Peacefully, in the early morning of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Mrs. Bertha Gwendlyn Carter, affectionately known as “Bud”, transitioned to her Heavenly home at the age of 101.
She was born in Bedford County on February 24, 1924, to the late Talitha Cumi Davis Woodruff and Roy Lee Woodruff of Lynchburg, Virginia.
In her early years, she worked as a caretaker and housekeeper for many. She loved to cook and often opened her home to host elaborate dinner parties for family and friends. It gave her great joy to see others enjoy her many culinary delights—especially her famous mac & cheese, potato salad, homemade pound cake, and peach/cherry cobblers.
Bud also enjoyed watching the Game Show Network, WWE wrestling, and doing word search puzzles. Sundays were her favorite days, as she spent them watching Jimmy Swaggart’s ministry all day long.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Roscoe Birckett, Sr., and her second husband, Frank Carter; two children, Steve Birckett and Aletha Jones; four sisters, Dimple Cleo Wright, Hermia Toomer, Hazel Scott, and Orlando Lacy; and three brothers, Earnest, Leroy, and Lincoln Woodruff.
Her union with Roscoe Birckett, Sr. was blessed with four children: Roscoe Birckett, Jr. (Maryland), Steve Birckett (deceased), Lucille Birckett McCluney (Florida), and Aletha Birckett Jones (deceased).
She leaves to carry on her Legacy two children: Roscoe Birckett, Jr., and Lucille McCluney. A devoted granddaughter, Reyna A. Fitzgerald (Maryland); with an additional eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren. Two loving sisters: Virginia Jackson and Catherine (Thelma) Carroll, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
The family extends special thanks to Personal HomeCare, Inc., Tate Springs Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Nayer Hospice LLC for their wonderful service.
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A Life Well Lived
Bud lived a long and beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and love. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering strength were a blessing to all who knew her. Though her earthly journey has come to an end, we rejoice knowing she has received her Heavenly wings.
“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.”
-Matthew 25:23
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Wingfield Baptist Church. Mrs. Carter will be on view one hour prior to the service. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.