Valdosta, Georgia - Margaret "Marti" Linda Carter Gray, age 74, of Valdosta, Georgia passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Langdale Hospice House from lymphoma. She was surrounded by family and friends.

She was born on April 19, 1950, in Miami, Florida to the late Frank L. and Idelle (Lee) Carter. Marti was raised in Lakeland, Georgia, where she graduated from Lanier County High School and went on to earn a B.A. in English from Valdosta State College. Throughout her life, she lived in various cities, including Dallas, Texas; Goldsboro, North Carolina; Fernandina Beach, Florida; and ultimately returned to Valdosta, Georgia. In every place she called home, she was a passionate supporter of animal rescue.

Marti taught English in both Lakeland and Goldsboro, and later retired from the State of Florida's Department of Family and Children's Services. Known for her open-mindedness, she never judged others, instead valuing people based on their character.

A lover of nature, she enjoyed raising milkweed in her garden to support her monarch butterfly hatchery, and was especially fond of butterflies, orchids, and sunflowers. Marti also played guitar and had a number of beloved pets, including her beloved dog, D'Jinga.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Carol (age 5).

Survivors include her sister Karen Carter Abbott of Lakeland, Georgia, her brother Frank Carter and wife Christy of Augusta, Georgia, her greatest loves, niece and nephew, Kelly and Tripp Carter and many good friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in the Valdosta Chapel of Music Funeral Services with burial to follow in Beaver Dam Cemetery, Ray City, Georgia. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the funeral home.

A special thanks to her friend, Sam Futch, who tirelessly cared for her during her protracted illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to United Saving Animals Rescue Team in Valdosta, 4006 Jackie Court, Valdosta, Georgia 31601.

Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com. Marti's family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta.