Valetta Louvine Carter Flanagan, 78, of Rockingham, passed away into the arms of Jesus on Monday, July 27, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Jan. 27, 1948 in Richmond County, daughter of the late Rufus Cleveland Carter Jr. and Elizabeth Louvine Hogan Carter.
Valetta lived a life defined by unwavering faith, compassion, and a heart devoted to serving others. Raised in a home with a God-fearing mother, she learned the values of hard work, kindness, and caring for God's creation from an early age.
Above all else, Valetta loved the Lord. Her faith was the foundation of her life and was evident in the example she set for her family. She pointed her children and grandchildren to the Lord until the end.
She had a special place in her heart for animals and loved them dearly, especially her faithful companion, “Gidget,” who brought her much happiness through the years.
Valetta also demonstrated remarkable strength and perseverance as a cancer survivor. She faced life's challenges with courage, grace, and an unshakable trust in God, inspiring those around her through her resilience and faith.
One of her family’s cherished memories was bringing home her son from the hospital, giving him the name "Scooter," that carried throughout his life. Though “Scooter” preceded her in death, his memory remained forever close to her heart.
More than anything, Valetta will be remembered for her steadfast love for God, her caring heart, and the example of faith she leaves behind. Her life touched countless people, and her legacy of compassion, kindness, and devotion will continue to live on through her family and all who were blessed to know and love her.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, James William “Scooter” Gaddis Jr.; and a great-grandson, Layden Connor.
Left to cherish Valetta’s memory are her daughters, Tammy Hichman of Concord and Maria Gaddis of Rockingham; grandchildren, Denea Allman, Mark Allman (Cassie), Christian Morales (Miguel), Jessica Dabbs (Wayne), George Connor III (Sydni), Randy Gaddis and Brandon Gaddis; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Mark Carter (Mary) of Monroe, Cleveland Carter (Gail) of Hamlet and Rick Hildreth (Marie) of Kings Mountain; sister, Sonja Johnson (Billy) of Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at Harrington Funeral Home, Hamlet.
The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Harrington Funeral Home with Pastor Bryan Blackwell officiating.
Memorials may be made to: Place of Grace Church, 252 School St., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Flanagan family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
