Deaconess Estella H. Carr

 Deaconess Estella Harriett Carr April 4, 1940 – January 31, 2025

Deaconess Estella Harriett Carr, affectionately known as “Tooty” transitioned peacefully from earth to glory on January 31, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on April 4, 1940, to Louvenia (Sis) Brown and Arthur Stewart in Albany. Deaconess Carr lived a life of faith, service, and dedication to her family, church and community, and now she rests in the arms of the Lord who called her home, for "God only takes the best."

Raised in Albany, Estella was educated in the Albany Public Schools, laying the foundation for a life marked by diligence and care for others. Her spiritual journey began at Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Oliver J. Brooks, where she served faithfully as an usher for many years. In the late 1980s, she joined Metropolitan NTM Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Ernest Drake. There, Deaconess Carr continued her faithful service in several ministries, ultimately being appointed to the Deaconess Ministry, where she served until her health no longer allowed. 

Her professional journey was equally impressive. Deaconess Carr worked for over 40 years in government service at the Watervliet Arsenal as a machine operator, retiring in September 1988. But the Lord had more work for her to do. With a heart full of love for children, she began a second career as a childcare provider at Arbor Park Daycare, where she worked for an additional 25 years.  Children loved her, and her coworkers admired her.

With grace and style, she made leopard print elegant and classy, and champagne soda a household staple.   A source of encouragement and laughter, Mrs. Car was famous for her sayings, “Hey Baby what’s happening”, “I Don’t have near Nickel in that Quarter”, “Poor thing wouldn’t know if it was Whole or Skim, You just think It’s Milk”.

In 1964, while working at Albany Medical Center, Deaconess Carr met the love of her life. She and her husband were married in 1969, a union that brought joy and purpose to her life.

Deaconess Carr was the proud mother of four children: Rosalind Scott of Albany, Benjamin Josey of Boston, Nadine (Rev. Jeffrey) Frost of Virginia, and the late Sean L. Carr. She was also a cherished sister-in-love to William Carr (Lynn) of North Carolina, Vicki Clemens (Hiawatha, deceased) of Virginia Beach, VA, Maryann Bebo of East Greenbush, NY, Peggy Tatum (Theodore) of Raleigh, NC, and Darwin Carr (Lisa) of Troy, NC.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in her three granddaughters: Akeela Frost (NC), Sarah Frost (TX), and Jesirer Frost (CA), and her spiritual mother to Anita Wilson of Albany.  She was proud godmother to Isaiah Legrone of Albany, and Denise Young of Albany.  She held a special place in her heart for her wonderful cousin, Wanda Dozier Sanders of Schenectady, NY.  Deaconess Carr’s family extends to a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who all mourn her loss but celebrate the life she led.

Along with her parents, welcoming her at the pearly gates is her dearly loved son, Shawn Carr, her loving brother George Ralph Stewart, known as “Cigar”, and her beautiful sister Dolores “Pumpkin” Stewart.  Her warmth, faith, and unwavering commitment to others will forever be remembered.

Deaconess Carr’s life was a testament of the God she served.   She cared for the sick, prayed with the bereaved, and fed the hungry, and never gave a card to anyone without something in it.  She was a beautiful example of Christ, and leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her and follow in her footsteps.

Rest in peace, Deaconess Estella Harriett Carr. You’ve earned your crown!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deaconess Estella H. Carr, please visit our floral store.