Carol Leora Carter

Obituary For Carol Leora Carter

Born Carol Leora Barrett in Youngstown, OH on September 14, 1943, to the union of Vernon S. Barrett Sr. and Ora McCain Barrett, Carol grew up in the diverse ethnic community of the former Monkey’s Nest on Dakota Street.

Carol married Lewis W. Macklin, North High School sweethearts, and from that union they lovingly nurtured and affirmed three children: Kim D. Macklin-Menton, Rev. Dr. Lewis W. (Dorothy) Macklin II and Vernetta M. Macklin-Jordan. Although the marriage did not sustain the test of time, Carol and Lewis remained amicable throughout the years.

Carol was employed at Park Vista of Youngstown Retirement Community. Hired by the late Helen Stambaugh, Carol was recognized as the longest-tenured employee at the long-term care center until her retirement. She held several managerial and administrative positions at the facility throughout the years.

Carol was fun-loving and had an amazing sense of humor. She seized every opportunity to enjoy love and laughter. She was the original Sister Mary Clarence-dressed in full habit with rosary beads swinging with sassiness at her side for Halloween- long before Sister Act became cinematic. Carol’s comic timing, generous smile and laughter were her trademarks.

Always fashionable, Carol also enjoyed her role as a fashion model representing the full-figured persona with boldness and confidence. Whether sashaying down the runway for a charitable fashion show or making a quick run to the store, Carol would not compromise her appearance.

Faith was integral to Carol, as was her love for God and humanity. She demonstrated commitment through the ministries she attended and served which included New Bethel Baptist Church, Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church and Price Memorial AME Zion Church, all of Youngstown and Shiloh Baptist Church and Rebirth Ministries of Danville VA. She enjoyed worship, biblical instruction and prayer gatherings.

Carol discovered love and serenity with her soulmate, Jay Carter. Carol and Jay were united in holy matrimony on June 3, 2002, in an intimate ceremony at Price Memorial AME Zion. Upon Carol’s retirement, they relocated to Axton, Virginia.

Carol leaves precious memories with her husband, children and bonus children Jay L. (Diane) Carter, Clarice Carter and Glynis Carter, along with her surviving sibling Joan L “Joy” Hopkins.

With love, her legacy is entrusted to her nine grandchildren Timothy V. Menton, Ebony N. (De’Andre) Penn, Ashley D. Macklin, Donnell L. Macklin, Naomi K.F. Macklin, Jasmine N. Macklin, Antwonya V. Macklin, Emily Thompson and Brandan Macklin-Jordan. Her memory will be embraced by her ten great-grandchildren Nia, Ashia, Van, Ian, Amaris, Gideon, Gabrielle, London, Caylynn and Jeremiah as legacy bearers.

As Carol crossed the celestial sands into eternity on November 14, 2025 at the Gibson House, Reidville NC, she was reunited with her parents; brothers Vernon “Peanut/Snookum” Barrett Jr., and Edgar “Goodie” Williams; paternal grandparents Warren Barrett and Eva (Hunt) Barrett; maternal grandparents Oliver and Lillian “Odell” (Ireland) McCain; and maternal great-grandparents Emanuel & Mattie (Conroy) Ireland, all who embraced her at the ancestral table.

As we gather, let us celebrate the vibrant spirit of Carol—a wife, mother, sister, and friend—whose legacy will forever illuminate our paths, reminding us to find joy in each day, to cherish the moments shared, and to carry her love in our hearts wherever we go.

A public viewing and family visitation will be held Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:00-6:00PM in the chapel of the D.L. McLaughlin Funeral Home, 4960 Riverside Drive, Danville VA.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday November 21, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel with Pastor Justin Lucas Scott of Rebirth Ministries officiating. After the committal ceremony, Carol will be laid to rest at the serene meadows of Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 16655 South Boston Rd. Danville, Viginia. May Carol rest in peace, and may we honor her by living fully and loving deeply, just as she did.

The Carter Family is appreciative of the “angels on earth” at Forsyth Medical Center, Winston Salem, NC and Ancora Compassionate Care Reidsville, NC for the palliative care provided which afforded Carol dignity in her transition from this life into eternity.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Carol Leora Carter elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.

DON’T CRY FOR ME

Don't cry for me.
I will be okay.
Heaven is my home now,
and this is where I'll stay.

Don't cry for me.
I'm where I belong.
I want you to be happy
and try to stay strong.

Don't cry for me.
It was just my time,
but I will see you someday
on the other side.

Don't cry for me.
I am not alone.
The angels are with me
to welcome me home.

Don't cry for me,
for I have no fear.
All my pain is gone,
and Jesus took my tears.

Don't cry for me.
This is not the end.
I'll be waiting here for you
when we meet again.

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