Erlene Vennis

Carter-Dabney

Erlene Vennis Carter-Dabney, of Richmond, peacefully entered eternal rest on September 8, 2026. Born on January 24, 1949 in Richmond, she was the beloved second child of the late Earl Vincent Carter and Victoria Morris Carter.

A dedicated educator and counselor, Erlene committed 40 years of her life to career planning and placement counseling. Through her work with the Richmond Urban League, Virginia Commonwealth University, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and Richmond Public Schools, she guided and inspired countless individuals toward their goals, leaving a lasting legacy in the Richmond community.

Erlene's foundation was built on faith and education. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Brown Grove Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. Later in life, she found a spiritual home and fellowship at Broken Bread Ministries in Richmond.

Her educational journey began at John M. Gandy High School, where she graduated in 1967. She then earned her Bachelor's degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in 1971, where she became a proud charter member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1968. Committed to her calling, she went on to earn a Master of Education from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1977.

Erlene was deeply involved in her community and cherished the sisterhood and friendships she found as a member of the Ladies of Glen Allen and the Rafikis (Pinochle groups). Above all, Erlene loved her family.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her devoted husband of 56 years, Charlie W. Dabney Jr.; two loving sons, Daron (Myesha) and Grier (Shamorow); seven grandchildren, Trinity Mays, Elan Dabney, Justin Dabney, Joselito Morales, Faith Dabney, Noah Dabney and Ethan Vazquez; two sisters, Lillian (Nay) Alston and Sonia (Pat) Johnson (Ronald); two nephews, Jarret Alston (Glenda) and Lamarr Johnson (Tori); two nieces, Tracy Alston and Sekari Williams (Dwayne); five great-nieces and great-nephews; a host of other relatives, colleagues and dear friends.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment private.