Carrie Mae Carnes

We gather here today not only to mourn the loss of Carrie but to celebrate and honor the beautiful life she lived and the love she so generously shared with each of us.

Carrie was born in East Hamilton, Texas to her loving parents, Annie Ree Williams and Edward Williams. She spent her early years in Center, Texas, before the family later relocated to East Liverpool, Ohio. After graduating from East Liverpool High School at the age of 18, she embarked on a new chapter of her life in Brooklyn, New York. There, she worked at a bottling company and became an active and faithful member of her church community.

Through dear church friends who would later become her in-laws, Carrie met the love of her life, John F. Carnes. Their deep bond led to a joyful marriage on December 6, 1958. Carrie was a devoted and loving wife to John, faithfully supporting him as a military spouse while he served in the United States military. During his overseas tours of duty, she lovingly cared for their children and kept their home filled with faith and stability.

Carrie was not only the matriarch of her family, but also a servant of the Lord. She served for many years as a Sunday School teacher and sang faithfully in the church choir. She was a member of the McClellan Base Chapel and later New Testament Baptist Church. Carrie was a kind, sweet, and gentle soul, someone who would truly give you the clothes off her back and share the food from her own plate. She always had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone she met.

She instilled in her children and grandchildren a deep love for the Lord and taught them the principles, morals, and values by which to live.

Carrie leaves to cherish her loving memory her three sons: Derek F. Carnes, Stephen F. Carnes, and Gregory E. Carnes; seven grandchildren: Antjuan G. Carnes, Aturan E. Carnes, Acenian J. Carnes, Akiko N. Mar, Chantel T. Lopez (Steven), Chante’ L. Carnes, and Chantevia R. Coulter (Mark); three great-grandchildren, Saniyah, Josiah, and Amiyah Coulter; her niece, Denise Williams; and a host of cousins and friends.

Carrie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John F. Carnes; her parents, Annie Ree and Edward Williams; her brothers, Keneth G. Williams and Edward Williams Jr.; her sisters, Helen Maxie and Betty Williams; her grandson, Derek Carnes Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Andrea L. Carnes; and her nephew, Melven Williams.