WILMINGTON — Wilhelmina (Willy) Geertruida Carter, 87 years old, passed away on July 26, 2026.
Willy is preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Dick), and survived by her daughters, Stephanie and Lisa; and her five grandchildren: Brady, Shea, Dylan, Maccoy, and Carter, who all affectionately knew her as their beloved Oma.
Willy was born in the Netherlands to David and Catharina de Smit. Her early memories as a child included German soldiers in her backyard during World War II and listening to her coveted radio with news of world events. Extremely close with her older brother, David, she was a fearless child that loved to think outside the box and exercise her creativity.
Willy visited the United States in her early 20’s and realized that the U.S. provided her more opportunities to live freely and explore the world. Though she didn’t speak English at the time, Willy immigrated to the United States, settling in the Bay Area of California. She attended cosmetology school, where she befriended her “American Mother” Emma Pomeroy and eventually opened her own hair salons.
In her late twenties, she met Dick, who was struck by her beauty, bold personality, and fierce independence. Dick and Willy lived in several cities, migrating from the west coast to the east, eventually settling in the New York metropolitan area. A proud Dutchwoman and entrepreneur, Willy started a Dutch import business serving Dutch-American families across the United States. After living the majority of her life in the U.S., Willy proudly became a United States citizen in her mid-fifties.
Willy was an accomplished artist…painting, drawing, and sculpting across every imaginable surface or canvas. She loved capturing the essence of people and life, with her family being her most prized subjects. The walls of Willy’s houses were always lined with images of her husband, daughters, and grandchildren.
Willy and Dick retired in their late fifties, travelling extensively throughout Europe, Mexico, and the United States, eventually settling in Flat Rock, NC. In Flat Rock, Willy loved the company of her neighbors, tennis players, and fellow artists. Willy laughed often and cared deeply for her dear friends and loved ones.
Over the last 10 years, Willy and Dick both dealt with significant health issues and Willy was ever present in her love and support for Dick, as well as resilient in the management of her own health. She had a wonderfully full life and passed peacefully surrounded by her family in Wilmington, N.C.
