Albert Thomas Carrington

Albert Carrington Obituary

Albert Thomas Carrington, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Monday, August 2, 2010 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. He was born to Albert N. and Edna Carrington on December 3rd, 1927 in Topeka. After high school, he entered the United States Army and served in Germany after World War II. After serving, he returned to Topeka and was hired to ship books for the Kansas National Education Association. He worked with the KNEA for 40 years and retired in October of 1995. He was honored by the KNEA with the Service to Education in May 1974. While being employed with KNEA, he did a lot of work within the Topeka school districts, helping organize meetings with teachers, parents and students during the integration process and the civil rights movement. In 2009, he was awarded a Black History Event Award for his Outstanding Contribution in Subsiding Racial Tension in 501 School District. As a result of his diligent work, he was honored with The National Education Association: Educators Shaping the Dream Award in January 2009, in Washington D.C. for his efforts to east racial tensions within the Topeka School districts in the late 1960s and early 70s. Albert was always quoted as saying, An education is one of the greatest things one can ever have. On January 18 1958, he was married to his wife, Phyllis Jean Hodison, who preceded him in death on June 1, 2002. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Albert N. and Edna, his sisters, Elizabeth Moore and Jeanette Huey and a son, Clifton Hodison. He is survived by his sons, Douglas L. Carrington (Theresa) of Denver, CO and Burnice Hodison (Betty) of Topeka KS; daughter, Mellany Martin of Topeka KS and her son, Michael Martin of Denver CO; as well as 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, many of which still reside in the Topeka are. Services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 7, at Bowser Johnson Funeral Chapel. Albert will lie in state from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, with family receiving friends from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Albert T. Carrington

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Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Aug. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Carrington

12 Entries

CHARLINE CUSHINBERRY

September 3, 2010

ALBERT WILL BE MISSED DEARLY. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND REMENBER THAT HE LOVE ALL OF YOU BUT GOD LOVED HIM MORE.

Marilyn Murphy-Rollins

August 7, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Pam Taverner

August 6, 2010

Al was a "Gentleman," in the truest sense of the word. Thanks to his family for sharing him with his KNEA friends for so many years. We are so very grateful that he was able to be recognized by the NEA and that his grandson was able to share the accolades with him. Thanks for the memories.

Barbara Hodges

August 6, 2010

To: Albert's family and friends. Albert worked with all of our staff and families at Sheldon Child Development Center - Head Start. He faithfully attended Policy Council meetings month after month. He was a strong voice for education and helped us all learn more about the black history events in Topeka & in the public schools. He was so kind and thoughtful, always smiling and being supportive of our Head Start goals and mission. He was truly one of my friends and he gave me strength to stand up for our children and fammilies, especially when it was not popular with the administration. He was always there to support us at board meetings. I'm so sorry he's left us. We usually talked every other month, about school, our community and our families. He will be hugely missed. I know he's up in heaven reunited with his wife. My sympathy to all of you, you're in my prayers.

August 6, 2010

Albert was a good story teller. I loved listening to Albert's stories and more often than not, I laughed until I had tears my eyes.

Al was a kind man who truly believed in education and in reading books! Kansas NEA's Reading Circle program was the perfect job for him.

My sincere sympathy to Albert's family along with my prayers.

Judie Mlynek

August 5, 2010

TO the family of Mr Carrington , I never personally knew him but me and family were neighbors ..Every time we would go by his house he would be in the garage and would wave and smile.I as well as my family will miss that..I know hes in Heaven he had a good spirit about him.
Kenny and Bonnie Holford
Neighbors from Jefferson
Square

Kathy Emmert

August 5, 2010

I met Albert in 1984 when he worked at KNEA and I worked at NET. He would bring print shop items to NET weekly and we became fast friends. We spent hours and hours talking during many lunches that we shared together and celebrating our birthdays each year. He was my bestfriend for many years and was always there to make me laugh. He shared with me so much about his life and family and the love that he felt for each of you. He was so proud of you Michel and the joy you brought him. I don't know if you remember but he brought you over to my house when you were younger to play with my boys.
I am blessed to have been a part of Al's life and he a part of mine. I will miss him greatly and the times we shared together. I will miss his voice and his hearty laugh. He was a great man.

Crystal Rodriguez

August 5, 2010

Albert was a dear friend to me. His work with Head Start was something we had in common. Albert was one of the most kind and intelligent people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He made me the most wonderful wedding gift and I am so happy to have known him. Albert made the world a better place, and it will still continue to be better because of his efforts. Albert, I love you! Say hello to my Mama and Grandpa. Bon Voyage my friend. I know you will be happy to see your sweet wife again and I know you will tell your stories in heaven. God Bless the family and know you are in my prayers! May God ease your pain and may your memories soothe you!

Judith Brown

August 5, 2010

During the nine years I worked for the K-NEA I worked with Albert Carrington in the Reading Circle. Every librarian in Kansas knew Albert and his love of the books we had in the Reading Circle. When Albert "went on the road" to attend education workshops around Kansas, his booth was always surrounded by teachers and librarians. I learned more about black history from Albert than I ever learned in school. Albert was one of the kindest most gracious people I have ever known and he was devoted to his family and friends - the sound of his laughter filled a room. When I retired and moved back to the U.S. last year, my staff created a photo album for me and the only non-Canadian in the album, other than me was Albert Carrington. I have a picture taken in the 1970's with me looking like a teacher/librarian and standing next to me was Albert, all dressed up in a suit looking like the gentlemen he was. The world was a better place because of Albert's presence. Rest in peace my friend, you've earned it.

John Reedy

August 5, 2010

I worked with Albert for a short time at KNEA. We had fun; he had a laugh that would roar through the halls. He would look at me on more than one occasion and tell me....you know they say that laughter is good medicine...� I have fond memories of Albert and I will always remember him with a hardy laugh. I am a better person for having known him.

Janie Rutherford

August 5, 2010

Working with Albert at KNEA is one of my best memories. Such an intelligent, kind, thoughtful, and patient man. Rest in peace and prayers for your family

August 5, 2010

May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.

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