Obituary of Carrie (Mama Lee) Heyward-Johnson

Carrie (Mama Lee) Heyward-Johnson (77) was born on March 3, 1938 in Wadmalaw, SC to the late Louis and Janie White Simmons. Predeceasing her, is her son Samuel “Bert” Heyward. Carrie was a precious flower that was plucked from God’s garden after a long bout with failing health on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, in her earthly home and received her final call from God asking her to come to her heavenly home, his good and faithful servant. Carrie lived in Charleston, SC where she received her education and began her family. She then moved to New York City to be closer to her mother and siblings in 1962 where she resided until 1971. She then moved to Utica, NY to provide a simpler life for her and her children from the big city life. She worked as a Daycare Provider for over 20 years which she loved and many loved her. She became Mama Lee to many in the community. She also became a lifetime member of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband: Lester Johnson, children: James “Corley” (LaShawn) Heyward from Maryland, Quinten (Monique) Heyward from Maryland, Rene (Kevin) Lewis of Utica, Sabrina (John) Garrett of Utica, and Sharon Thomas of Utica. Sisters: Janie “Nell” Jamison of Delaware; Everlena “Lena” (Alviston) Calistro of GA, Theora (John) Pressley, brother-in-laws: John Robinson, Jr. of Utica, sister-in-law: Gloria Simmons of Long Island, NY grandchildren: Monique Brown, David Johnson, Kowone (Bianca) Nevith, Jai Dorsey, Brandon Heyward Ronald Taylor, Erica Beckford, Shania Holt, Quinn Heyward, Patience & Kayla Heyward, Kenneisha &, Katelyn Watts. Great-grands: Alexis Lee, Kaleb Nevith, Zoe & Maxwell Johnson, Brianna, Kianna and Janea Dorsey, Arianna & Justice Taylor, Makhi Clanton, Nasie Holt and a whole host of Nieces and Nephews, “Many Adopted children such as Brenda Stewart, Janie “Toots” Allen, Reynard Thompson, Gaston Cancer, Elijah Johnson and Carolyn Moore Bivens". A special niece DeVana O’Garro, and a special friend Frankie Walton Patterson. Family and friends may call on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 11am - 12pm with service immediately following at 12pm at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, 1108 Court Street, Utica, NY. Services entrusted to T. Revels-Gibson Funeral Services, Inc., 144 Eagle Street, Utica, NY.