Dorothy Joan Carter, age 51, of Sheffield, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.A service to remember her life will be at 2 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church, Florence. The Rev. Mike Pope will officiate. The family will receive friends in the Atrium of the church from noon until service time.Joan was the best mother and friend to Whitney. She was a loving daughter, caring sister and friend to many. While at UNA, she was a Lionette. She worked for many years at Andy's The Professionals and was a model for Marigail Mathis, Oscar de la Renta and other designers. Her wonderful personality and wit touched many lives.Her work with Arc of the Shoals was very important to her.She is survived by a daughter, Whitney Farris, Sheffield; mother, Mrs. Sarah Carter, Florence; sisters, Edna Rose and husband, Charles, Sheffield, and Mary Young and husband, Donny, Florence; brother, Oliver Carter and wife, Michiko, Nogan, Japan; nieces and nephews, Israel Liles, Chia and Kou Nagai, Sho, Timothy and Nicky Carter; many aunts and uncles.Joan was preceded in death by father, Edward L. Carter, and grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. Ralph E. Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Carter Sr.In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to NAMI Shoals, 749 Thompson St., Florence, AL 35630Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family. You are invited to sign the online guest register at elkinsfh.com.