Frieda M. Carnegie

1957 - 2024

Frieda passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Oct. 31, 2024, at University of Michigan Spectrum Hospital in Lansing.

She was born on Oct. 19, 1957, in Benton Harbor. From an early age, Frieda accepted Christ at Union Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she served as the Junior Choir pianist and a member of the Junior Usher Board.

She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1975, where she was active in track and band and was elected Homecoming Queen and secretary of the graduating Class of 1975. After high school, Frieda attended Grambling State University in Grambling, La., earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts. She was a proud member of the world-renowned Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band and a sister of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Theta Chapter.

Following her graduation, Frieda moved to Chicago where she embarked on a career in television. She worked as an engineer at WGN Television and later became an account executive for Titan Worldwide, serving the greater Chicago area. While in Chicago, Frieda was president of the Hamilton Public School Board and an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, where she choreographed yearly operettas. She also choreographed musicals at Gordon Tech High School. Frieda was a passionate community advocate, participating annually in City of Hope, Walk for Breast Cancer and AIDS Walk events.

Frieda later moved to Okemos, Mich., where she continued her leadership as a manager at Macy's Department Store. In 2019, she was honored with the Capital Area United Way Marshal Award – a recognition given to those who exemplify what it means to "Live United" through outstanding community service. She remained a committed volunteer and organizer of charitable and holiday events at Macy's Okemos. Known for her kindness and ability to make everyone feel like family, Frieda continued working at Macy's until her passing.

Frieda is survived by her beloved son, David Joseph Carnegie II; her father, Charles (Donna) Joseph; sisters: Valerie (Steve) McNutt, Michelle Joseph and Ipalla Cooke; brothers: Michael Joseph and Gordon Bradley Joseph; nieces: Katelyn McNutt, Alexis Joseph and Sophi Joseph; and nephew, Philip Cooke.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Jean Bowers; her brother, Charles Joseph Jr.; her maternal grandparents: Johnny and Frieda Juanita Stewart; and her paternal grandparents: Iseah Joseph and Maggie Joseph.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, East Lansing, MI.