Carolyn B. McCleave

Carolyn B. McCleave was born on July 16, 1950 in Kearny, NJ to Carrie Smith and James McCleave. She was their only child. She spent a lot of time with her 5 uncles: Calvin, Wilbert, Christopher Sr., Alexander, and Andre; and 1 aunt, Eleanor (Jean) Smith. Also cousins Christopher Jr. Smith, Maurice Miller, Margaret Smith, George Crawford, Darrell Laurel, and Deon - all who have found eternal peace before her. With them, family was everything.
At 33 years old she met Robert Darius. They married in 1983. Together they created Celeste Alberta and Justin James McCleave. Carolyn poured love, kindness, patience, and respect into them. She also loved on those that were in her presence.
Her personality was so electric she could shock you, some would even say unforgettable. She was always real, never fake or phony. Shirley Miller and Dora McMickel were her sisters - they shared countless memories. Lisa Smith was really her first child... Let her tell it.
Carolyn was also the life of every party. Carolyn was a music buff. She also loved to dance - the swing was her go-to dance, followed by the hustle. Shout out to all my '50s babies.
Carolyn was the matriarch of what was left of her family. As her years passed, she continued to touch the hearts of so many people. Some were her baby cousins: Janae Carter, Nydrea Germany, Elba Scott, Te lyr Miller, Angela Carrie Smith, Lucille Crowley, I-Janae, and Ebony Laurel, Shirley Wilson, Isaiah Valentine, Autumn, Demetrius, Dominck Asoegwu, Rashon and Dawn Crawford, Rashon and Cynthia Laurel, Shanna and Jackie Trawick, Shanise Wilson, Bianca and Mike Crowley, Carmen and Damon Smith, Jasmine Fortune, Dr. October Hudley, Arlentha and Jarod Jr. Jenkins, Shyheed Jackson, Kyshad Clark, Shamika, Imani, and Jumali. Also Sheila Washington, Robert Butler, Robert Kears, Bob Belton, (Caregivers) Adedayo, Ms. Jackie and Shekeemah for (Bayada), also 2nd Home Adult Day Care, also The Hudson Family and so many more. If Celeste missed someone, charge it to her mind, not her heart.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Carolyn B. McCleave. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.