Ina Kate Carter

Ina Kate Carter, 68, of Culpeper, Virginia, died Wednesday morning, June 11, 2008, at Culpeper Regional Hospital after an extended illness.

She was born in Dickenson County, Virginia, and was raised in Kingsport before moving to Culpeper in 1963. Kate graduated from Sullivan High School, received a Bachelor's Degree from East Tennessee State University, and received a Masters Degree from the University of Virginia. She was a teacher and coach and was Virginia's winningest girls' high school basketball and girls outdoor track coach. Her basketball team had 526 all-time victories, and the outdoor track team had 115 wins. Kate was inducted into Virginia High Schools Hall of Fame in 2000, was voted Virginia Coach of the Year in 1979, and was awarded the National High School Athletic Coaches Association National Coach of the Year in girls basketball. Culpeper Middle School gym was dedicated and named the Ina Kate Carter gymnasium in 2003. She dedicated her life to kids.

Kate was a Baptist.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Gaither and Blanche Carter; and a brother, Charles Mitchell.

Surviving are one sister, Sue Triplett and husband Toby of Kingsport; a sister-in-law, Janet Mitchell of Alexandria, Virginia; nieces and nephews, Michael Triplett, Lisa Easterling, Toby Triplett, Ann Triplett Holdam, Kerry Trice, Jana Mitchell; two great-nieces and nephews, Myles Triplett and Emily Easterling; special friend, Pat Banks; and caregivers, Karen, Linda and Ken.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport.

Graveside services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at East Lawn Memorial Park with Pastor Charles G. Roberts officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Culpeper High School Athletic Boosters, Attn: William "Billy" Thornhill, 14240 Achievement Drive, Culpeper, VA 22701.