Mrs. Carol Cheston Obituary in High Point at Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.

Obituary For Mrs. Carol Cheston

Carol Lee Crawford Daniels Cheston was born on Tuesday, January 11, 1938 in Stokesdale, North Carolina to the late Forest Lee and Leon Chandler Crawford. So that her parents could make ends meet, she and her sister were raised during the younger years by their grandparents. She was the youngest of two children, with her sister Shirley Crawford King. Educated in Summerfield, NC, she graduated from the historic Laughlin School. She later attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University of Greensboro, where she majored in Physical Health Education and was a majorette with the marching band. During her time at A&T, she met and married Elwood Tuck Daniels, Sr. and they had a son together, Elwood Tuck Daniels, Jr. After Elwood Tuck Daniels, Sr. moved to New York, Carol stayed in NC, where she worked and raised her son. While still at A&T, she worked at Marriott’s Hot Shoppes. There she would meet many lifelong friends, including Ernestine Alston, Lucy #1 (the late Annie Francis Richmond) and Lucy #2 (Lula Sue Hall). It was also at Hot Shoppes where she met Joseph Joshua Cheston of Trenton, NC. They dated as students and later married. Joseph would later join the first class of Black fire fighters of the City of Greensboro, NC. To this union, a son, Patrick, was born. On January 20, 1967, an unfortunate fatal vehicle accident took the life of Joseph. Even after the sudden passing of her husband, she still stayed in touch with the Black fire fighter community. Until her passing on Saturday, November 12, 2022, Carol remained a proud Cheston for the remaining 55 years.

The foundation of her faith was at Oak Springs Baptist Church of Stokesdale, NC. During her younger years, she would participate in the seasonal and Christian Education activities. During her adult years, she would drive from Greensboro to Stokesdale to worship at church and enjoy a meal with her parents and family. While at Oak Springs, she succeeded her great uncle, the late John Chandler, as Usher Board President and took the Young Adult Choir on tour and television. It was not long before she would draft both sons to play musical instruments and direct the choir.

For many years, Carol worked in the then Greensboro City Schools as a baker in the cafeteria at Caesar Cone School. She later got promoted to cafeteria manager and then floating cafeteria manager for all city schools. During those times, she worked by day at the schools and at night at Cone Mills as a fabric inspector. Because of her tight neighborhood connections, the late Faye Dungee (a neighbor) asked if she knew of anyone who might be interested in working at the historic Bennett College for Women as a Resident Life Director. It is not clear if she told anyone about the position; but, she applied and started working at Bennett College in Resident Life, under the presidency of the late Dr. Isaac Miller. Carol would spend 32 years as Resident Life Director for all freshwomen. She was diligent in meeting staffing needs and often worked summer sessions. She organized of the Resident Halls Step Shows, which included step routines from all resident halls and participating sororities and ended in a dance. With the growing popularity, the shows helped fund scholarships for deserving students. Also, while at Bennett College, she traveled to other college campuses as a representative of Bennett College. Even after retirement in 2014, she kept up with the happenings and talked often with her good friend/play daughter, Odessa Olgesby.

She was diligent at being a caring and good neighbor. She was proud of the neighborhood and that “tan and chocolate” home “Joe Chest” bought. She always backed her cars into the driveway and kept a manicured yard, with mature magnolia trees and azaleas. During the school year, she would carpool with other parents to transport students safely between school, extracurricular activities and home. During times of bereavement, she would collect money door-to-door to fund family meals and floral sprays for the celebrations of life. When there was a need for a close playground, she and a few other parents petitioned the city and got the Bywood Park Playground approved with a full basketball court, rides, guided summer activities with field trips and free lunches. She was an honored member of the Household of Ruth # 683 and a member of the former 101 Club.

Working during the school year, Carol rarely took summers off. For many years, she was a foster parent during the summers. She would host family members, like Oita Cheston Coleman, for local work and interning positions. She would often invite family and friends over for cookouts and dancing, after moving the furniture. Otherwise during the summer, she “kept a bag” packed, traveling extensively with friends to Alaska, Mount Saint Helens, any Atlantic Island and to all the special occasions (graduations, weddings, etc.). She was particularly fond of traveling with her nieces, Deborah King and Angela Wall.

With a beautiful smile and a huge sense of humor, she would easily be the life of the gathering, whether it was a cruise with New Hope Baptist Church, a road trip to any away A&T football game, a family trip, attending family reunions or sponsoring gatherings for the extended family the day after Christmas. No one really knows how she found the time or money but, she never ran out of either one.

Between Stokesdale, Summerfield, Trenton and Bennett College, she could always tell how someone knew her by the name they called her. Folks from Stokesdale called her “Cal Lee.” Folks from Summerfield called her “Carrie.” Folks from Trenton called her “Josh-u-way’s wife.” Folks from Bennett College called her “Ms. C.”

She is predeceased by her husband, parents, sister and great granddaughter (Solenne Renee Santana).

Carol is survived by her sons (Elwood Daniels, Jr. and Patrick Cheston), daughters-in-love (Tannis Daniels and Lisa Cheston), four granddaughters (Nikki Walker, Patrika Larocque, DeVicka Santana and Jarissa Craft), three grandsons-in-love (Curtis Larocque, Joey Santana and Matt Craft), four great-grandchildren, brother-and sister-in-law (Johnnie and Sallie Cheston), sister-in-law (Vivian Cheston), special relatives (Reverend and Mrs. Walter and Shirley James), long-time friends (Joseph Hunter, Lula Hall and Ernestine Alston) and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral service will be held Friday, November 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 2:30 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.

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May all of the beautiful memories of Mrs. Cheston be a source of peace during this time of grief.
Betty Watson

Mrs. C created our "home away from home" during my freshman year in Jones Hall. My parents knew they were leaving me in good and trustworthy hands. We could not have had a better residence director and dorm mother. Remembering fondly her kindness and generosity of spirit. Sincere condolences to her family, she will truly be missed. May she rest in peace and power. Miji Bell, '92 Bennett Alumna

My heartfelt condolences to the Cheston family. Please know that your loved one left a lasting impact on so many young women during her time at Bennett College. I will always remember the way she looked out for us and help to mold all of us as freshwomen. She made Barge Hall all that it was. Thank God for her life and legacy!

I am so heartbroken to hear "my mother" away from home had passed away. Mrs. C was amazing and the best Dorm Director of Jones Hall!! I was far away from home and could always go to Mrs. C office to talk, vent, and be consoled when I needed it. She would show us her moves from when she was a majorette and many times you could pass her office and hear her humming a song or just singing. This is so sad. Please accept my condolences and prayers. Your mother was amazing to us so I know she had to be a great mom. Gina Jordan c/o 93

Heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Mrs. Carol Cheston. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Mrs. Cheston during her time at Bennett College. I wa working on an HBCU Project, and it had a residential summer program component--The National Science Foundation (NSF) Summer Academy. During the first summer we launched it (2007), we were in dire need of a residential director. Someone had mentioned Mrs. "C," whom I had not met previously, but her impressive reputation preceded her. Needless to ssay, we hired her on the spot. I found her to be very charismatic with the most beautiful skin I had ever seen. Her statuesque beauty was captivating and demanded respect. I loved her deliberate honesty, her excellent communication and organizational skills, and the way in which she cared for the young women in the academy. I did not believe in "multitasking" until I met Mrs. "C." May her legacy live on in her children, grandchildren, and all descendants. May you find comfort in knowing that so many others share in your grief and loss.
ML Haigler, faculty member, Bennett College

Patrick, It is truly with great sadness that my family and I learn of your dear mother's passing. Please know that our prayers are with you in this challenging time. It is with much encouragement that we reflect on the divine assurance of the "Sabbath Rest" that remains for all of God's faithful. Please know that The Mason family, and the New Bethel Baptist Family will continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you my friend and brother.

Well y'all- The Lord has called another one of his Angels home!I loved Aunt Carol- her smile lit up a room and her laugh was infectious! She had a way of making me feel like Eddie Murphy when she laughed at my jokes- even when in my head I knew they couldn't be that funny. If we tried to tell all the Aunt Carol stories today, we MIGHT be finished by this time next year and she would be scowling at us for taking up people's time like that! Besides,some of my stories with her start with "When we were in Vegas"... and you know what happens in Vegas- stays in Vegas. Aunt Carol will definitely stay in my heart. To the family, thank you for sharing her with us all of these years. A life well lived. A race well run. May God continue to Bless you and Keep you all. Lazelle Free Jr.Los Angeles, CA

Patrick, Elwood and Family, I can't find words to express how I felt when I heard of Mama's passing. She and I had a special bond when we met at Bennett and it continued after Bennett. God will give you the peace and comfort needed to get you through these times.
Love you, Your sister Odessa Darby Oglesby

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Carol was simply family to all of us who gathered for a plethora of occasions at the home of Lucy #1 (Annie Frances Richmond) at 1625 Dunbar Street. Our love for her was precious, cherished, and boundless! I knew her and Joe as Aggies and coworkers at the Hot Shoppes Restaurant. I am still in touch with Joe's twin brother, Johnnie. Carol was always a jovial jewel and friend who will greatly missed. May her family members and friends find solace in remembering her great legacy! Dr. James A. Richmond, Sr. and the Richmond family

To the Entire Cheston Family, there are no words to express the sadness that overcame me when I got the news of Ms. Carol passing. Please know that I continuously pray for you. The only way to get through this is with God and one day at a time. God will comfort, give you peace and strengthen you in the days to come. I love each of you and please let me know if there is anything I can do. Peggy Oliphant

My heart smiles at the thought of Ms. Cheston! We shared so many laughs over the years. My first time away from home, she made me "feel" home and for that I will always be grateful. She had been on my mind so heavily, recently. Her laugh, her smile and her voice will be missed but her lessons, her love and her legacy will live through every Bennett girl who became a woman, on her watch and under her direction! We love u, Ms. C!

Rev. & Mrs. Cheston and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you in the celebration of Carol Cheston entering an eternity of joy and rest. We throughly enjoyed her kindness, laughter, and spirit. Blessings to all. Robert Scott Jones & Gizelle D. Jones

Rev. Cheston, Our sincere condolences and prayers of comfort to you and your family in the loss of your mother. Know that a beautiful flower has bloomed in God's Kingdom. Love, John and Jewel Welborn

God sees and know everything, my dear! Don't be very upset. I am just praying for the peace of your mother in heaven. Sorry for your loss dear! My prayers and thoughts are with you during this dark time in your life. I know that your faith is strong and I wish you can hold it in any situation. Love you my brother. Rev. Roosevelt Whitehead

My condolences to the family and friends, Mrs C will be missed, she was a force to be reckon with and gave that motherly love I needed when far away from home my first year at Bennett College.

My Dear Sweet Ms C. My mother and I thank you so much for being that mom away from home. Boy were you something else, lol. My mom had no doubt she was leaving me in good hands. May you rest peacefully and may God comfort your family during this difficult time.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your family! Your Mother was a beautiful and sweet soul and I cherish the fellowship we had years ago at the home of Mrs Sufronia for Thanksgiving Dinners! Mrs. Margie Thompson

Such a dear woman! Beautiful inside and out. She kept every Bennett Belle in line, whether she was a Barge Hall resident or not. It was a pleasure to know and to work with a woman as loving as her. Rest in the arms of the Lord, Mrs. C! Love always, Krystal Toney- c/o 2007

Mrs. Cheston was my mom away from home. She is Barge Hall and every Freshwoman who entered the doors she impacted. She holds a place in my heart and my memories.

Mama C aka C-Murder..Man the memories I have as a Belle back in 2000 living in Barge Hall. Mama C you did not play with us when it came to missing curfew lol. You had us 18 year olds scared. And even though we couldn't understand why you were so hard on us back then, we all loved and respected you. Thank you for playing a part in molding me into the 40 year Nicole I am today. May you rest in heavenly peace. Until we meet again Mama C ❤️

Gerdia B.'Keesee

Rev. Cheston.. Sister Lisa~ and your entire family ! I was made sad when I heard the news of Mrs. Carol's passing.
I have fond memories of her attending our Relay For Life event ~.... was excited when she had the Bennett Bell 's choir to attend Worship at Zion Baptist Church ~~~ and just fellowshipping with her after worship service's !!! What a Jewel 💎 she was.... her presence was bright beacon to all she encountered ❣️ May God's infinite Love and Compassion give you and your family Peace carry you this time .

Rev. Cheston, Lisa, the girls and family, We were shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of your mother and grandmother. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mrs. Cheston was a sweet beacon of light each time I saw her. Her smile could light up any room. Know that we are here for you in whatever you need. It is our prayer that the Lord will give your family Peace, Joy, Hope, Understanding and continuous Love in each day to come. Love, Frank and Rita Wilson

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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