Stella Elizabeth Salter

Stella Elizabeth Salter, 52, of Beaufort, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00pm, March 7, 2026, at Maranatha Church in Beaufort. The family will receive friends from 4-5:00pm at the church.

Stella was born on August 20, 1973, and grew up in Stacy with her mother, brother, sister, and a close-knit group of cousins, with whom she spent many hours playing and hanging out. She also spent time in Sea Level with her dad. Her Down East roots ran deep. She loved being on the water, whether at the beach or on the boat, headed to the High Hills with family. These were some of her most cherished memories.

Stella attended Atlantic Elementary School and East Carteret High School, where she made many lasting friendships. At East Carteret, her passion for music and singing flourished when she joined the chorus and later on the Mariner Singers.

After graduating from high school, she attended Carteret Community College and worked at the bookstore there. She also worked in the kitchen at Snug Harbor, where her love for cooking grew. Some of her favorite things to cook were chicken and pastry for her daughter, and pies, along with millions of other things, like cinnamon candy for Christmas.

On August 28, 1999, one of her greatest blessings entered the world: Ethan was born. This was one of the happiest moments of Stella's life. Then, about a year later, on July 8, 2000, her other greatest blessing, Karlyn, was born. These two completed her whole world. She loved them with her whole heart. She always said that if there was anything she had ever done right in her life, it was Ethan and Karlyn. Some of her most cherished moments were spent with them at the beach and on the ball field.

For Easter 2015, Stella bought her beloved dog Otter for Ethan and Karlyn. He quickly became what she called her "soul dog." He stayed by her side as the kids grew up and came and went. He was one of her most beloved companions.

A few years ago, Stella made the life-changing decision to fully commit to the Lord and be baptized. Over the last few years, Stella had some very difficult health issues that only the Lord could have gotten her through. Saturday, the Lord had a different plan and was ready to ease all her pain and call her home. Today, she is pain-free, no more surgeries, tests, or treatments. She is young, healthy, and happy. This is the picture we need to keep in our hearts. Stella is better than ever today!

Stella is survived by her son, Ethan Salter and his wife Lindsay of Mill Creek, and her daughter Karlyn Salter of Otway; sister, Michelle Smith of Atlantic; brother, Donald Lawrence(Carol) of Atlantic; step-brother, Billy Taylor(Judy) of Atlantic; step-sister, Jamie Taylor of Atlantic; and an abundance of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also, her close companion, her "soul dog", Otter.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Fulcher-Salter; father, Everett Salter; step-mother, Susan Willis Salter; maternal grandparents, Irvin and Sadie Fulcher; paternal grandparents, Elvin and Stella Salter; brother-in-law, Richard "Dick" Smith; and nephews, Donovan Smith and Jake Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Noe Funeral Service to assist with funeral expenses. Donations may be made here.  

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.