Carolyn A. Carmichael

A RECIPEFORALIFEWELLLIVED!
It starts with unapologetically bold flavors! Combine sugar and a lot of spice, add beauty, intelligence, confidence and inner strength, mixed with authenticity, toss with hope and unwavering faith, stir in purpose, passion, resilience, forgiveness, a heart for life and love, blend in laughter and hugs; sprinkle gratitude and humility, serve warm with passion and respect, measure out a bunch of blessings from above-Chefs Kiss-Voila- A divine creation named Carolyn or as some may know her "Miss CC".
Her journey of life began on November 10, 1938 in Trenton NJ, when the late Cleveland and Ernestine rejoiced at the birth of their youngest daughter Carolyn A. Blackburn. A lifelong resident of Trenton, NJ she was educated in the Trenton Public School System and a proud graduate of Trenton Central High School. Upon graduating high school, she jumped right into the labor force in the service industry. Later she went on to serve as an Aide with the Ewing Public School District, which lead to career advancement and attending college. She worked for The State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and Department of Personnel-where she retired after 34 years as a Technical Assistant in the Selection Services Promotional Unit.
At the tender age of 22, Carolyn met and married her beloved husband, Edward "Mickey" Carmichael and from this special pairing two daughters were born, Evette Danielle and Elyse.
Carolyn was a member of Wayne Avenue Baptist Church where she served on the Floral Club Ministry. She was also an active senior of the South Clinton Avenue Senior Center. Carol was also actively engaged in the Ewing Park Brae Burn Civic Association. Always looking for ways to make a positive change, when it was time for business -as a friend would say- "she would put on her sketchers".
Carol was known for Serving It Up! From her fancy footwork on the dance floor to her quick wit and banter, launching the twins wrestling career, coaching baseball from the car, planning "THE MENU" with her granddaughter, and having HESS trucks ready for placing under the Christmas tree for her grandsons Cahlil, Elon & Shiloh. She loved hanging out with her BFF Minnie and girlfriend Gail as they attended aerobics classes at the Senior Center, waiting in line for those blasted EGGS, spilling the TEA at the salon as Nina styled her classic copper hairdo, and last but not least, her claim to Fame synchronized swimming at THS. She was also good for whipping up her famous sweet potato pies and pound cake (which once was mistaken for cornbread).
But most of all Carolyn was known for loving and hosting family dinners and SERVICE! The
Carmichael's fourth of July cookouts were known from near and far. Folks traveled from Newark, Delaware, South Carolina and Los Angeles and would show up early to ensure a good seat and meal!
What started as a backyard BBQ for 50 people, turned into a community block party for over 200. For Carolyn, these gatherings were so much more than parties. She saw it as a way to encourage, inspire and empower. Fellowshipping with her neighbors and serving the community gave her heart joy. The outings were so highly anticipated and well attended Community leaders would come out, transforming the events into a platform to raise political awareness and ignite social action.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward Carmichael; siblings, Cleveland Jr. and Joyce (Leon) Clark; sister in laws H. Victoria Cassel and Helen Evans and brother in laws LeRoy, Leonard and Harold Carmichael; nephew, Kevin Clark; son-in-law, Troy Perkins, Sr.; a grandson, Troy Perkins, Jr.; and brother-in-love, William "Bill" Dockery, Sr.
She leaves a legacy of love and gratitude to her daughters, Evette D. Perkins and Elyse (LLionel HIenderson; five grandchildren: Candyce Myers, Cablil (Ashley) Myers, Miles, Elon and Shiloh Henderson; sister in law, Janie Butler; sister-in-love, Minnie Dockery; nephews, Keith Carmichae Aita), Leon Clark, Jr., Sean Clark, Cleveland Blackburn III, and Min. William "Bill" Dockery, Ir Yolanda); nieces, Beverly Blackburn and Trudy Dockery; a daughter-in-love, Sabrina Williams; and a host of other relatives and friends
IF ever someone epitomized the scripture, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21)..it is SWEET CAROLINE!
Funeral service will be 10am Monday, November 10, 2025 at Wayne Ave. Baptist Church, 30 Wayne Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hour will be 9am until the time of service. Entombment will be at Greenwood Mausoleum, Hamilton, NJ.
As per the family's request, we kindly ask that you do not send flowers at this time. Instead, in lieu of flowers, we would greatly appreciate it if you could consider making a donation to the Carolyn Carmichael Scholarship Fund. Your generous contributions will help continue Carolyn's legacy and support the education of deserving students.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.
Here is the link to donate to the Carolyn Carmichael Scholarship fund: https://enroll.zellepay.com/register
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