Obituary of Jeffrey Carter

Jeffrey Burnham Carter, 76, died Friday, November 11, 2022 at his home in Boone, NC. Jeff was born on June 12, 1946 in New York City. As his father began a career in higher education, his early years were spent in Hamilton, NY, Palo Alto, CA, West Lafayette, IN, and for eighth grade, London, England. Summers were spent with family in Old Lyme, CT. He graduated from the Millbrook School in 1964 and went on to receive a degree in English from Swarthmore College in 1968. During his time in college he discovered pottery and worked summers with Paulus Berensohn at the Penland School of Craft. There he began his creative life as an accomplished potter, and kindled a lifelong love of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After graduating Jeff taught high school English briefly before experiencing the transformative power of bodywork at the Esalen Institute. He studied Physical Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania and spent over three decades working with patients in Charlotte, and later, Ashe, Wilkes, and Watauga counties. Outside of work you could find him in the studio or the garden, on a mountain trail, or watching a game. He was never without a book. Jeff was forever a student, taking notice of the small things and writing his own story. He liked to quote Ram Dass, "We're all just walking each other home," knowing that home is a connection felt in the heart. We will miss his artistry and inventiveness, his sense of humor, his capacity to listen, his sage advice, his letters and notes, his thoughtful eyes and wry smile. He is survived by his loving wife Donna; his sisters, Elizabeth Edmonstone and Jane Cipoletti; four children, Jason, Sam, Jennifer and Elizabeth; six grandchildren; and a loyal canine companion, Ajax. In lieu of flowers, please send a gift to Watauga Hunger and Health Coalition, 141 Health Center Dr. #C, Boone, NC 28607. The family will be holding private services at a later date in honor of Jeffrey. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Carter family.