Carol Jean Thurman

Carol Jean Thurman, born December 25, 1939, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, peacefully passed away on March 29, 2025. Carol was the beloved daughter of William and Elsie (Holder) Thurman and the youngest daughter of five children. Raised in a Christian household, Carol accepted Christ at a young age while attending St. Mark A.M.E. with her family, nurturing a lifelong commitment to her faith.
Carol was educated in Pittsburgh, and she graduated from Westinghouse High School. Upon graduation, Carol went to Wilberforce University. After leaving Wilberforce, she moved to New York City before returning to her roots in Pittsburgh. Carol's greatest pride came from being a mother to her daughter Lisa.
Carol's faith in God eventually led her to join St. James A.M.E. church and continue her commitment to God and others by serving as a member of the Senior Choir, serving as a Sunday school teacher and helping with the children's choir. Carol also loved encouraging others and showed her care and concern by sending cards and visiting those who were not able to attend church. Carol retired from the Allegheny County Health Department in 2001. After her retirement, she continued to give back to her church community through the Education and Food Service ministries, serving as a Steward and as a founding member of the Lemington Choir.
Music was always a passion for Carol; as a young woman, she sang with her siblings as part of The Thurman Singers, spreading joy and faith through their voices. Because of her love for singing, Carol would attend music workshops at Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, Rodman Street Baptist Church, and she even sang with Edwin Hawkins choir.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents William and Elsie Thurman and her beloved siblings, Elizabeth Beamer, Mattie Louise Trent-Young, James William Thurman, and Donald Francis Thurman. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter and son-in-law, Lisa (Robert) Gooden, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
Carol's life was a testament to faith, love, and service. Her strength, wisdom, and song will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched. Memorial services will be April 11, 2025 at St. James A.M.E. church, 444 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. The family ask in lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Carol Thurman to:
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