Mary Carolyn Sistrunk

 IN LOVING MEMORY OF BELOVED MARY CAROLYN SISTRUNK

                                    11/28/1955 - 06/5/2020

Mary Carolyn Sistrunk, loving mother, at the age of 64, passed away on June 5, 2020 in Danbury, Connecticut.

Carolyn was born on November 28, 1955 in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to Walter Henry Simpson and Mary Magdalene Salley Simpson. After graduating from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in 1973, she remained in Orangeburg, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from Claflin University in 1977.   Remaining on a steadfast path to further her education, Carolyn earned a Master of Arts degree in English from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1978. Subsequently, she earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan in 1986 and dedicated the last 27 years of her life to public service in Danbury, Connecticut; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Detroit, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois.

Carolyn was known for her quick wit, calm demeanor, and her compassionate spirit. She was an excellent listener and always endeavored to understand people in a profound way. Carolyn was strong, self-reliant, and deeply intellectual. She mentored family members, friends, and colleagues to always approach the world logically and to develop well-founded fact-based positions. Carolyn’s mighty intellect and drive to serve others gained the respect of not only her family, but friends, colleagues, and peers across the country. For those that knew her the best, knew she loved three things above all: her family, her “pooch” Nakee, and a relaxing evening reading a good book. Carolyn has touched the lives of many. Her legacy of service to her family and community is an example for us all. She was loved by many, respected by all, and will forever live in our hearts.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, her mother, her brother Walter Jacob Simpson, Jr., and her sisters Patricia Ann Simpson and Jacqueline Bernadette Simpson. She is survived by her son Gabriel and his wife La’Keisha; her two grandsons Adon and Vaughn; her sister Dannett Elaine Simpson; and a host of cousins and nieces.

A Virtual Celebration Service will be streamed live on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 1pm EST via the public Facebook page titled “In Glorious Memory of Mary Carolyn Sistrunk”. Please join the Facebook page in order to gain access to the live stream and to share loving memories and photos. 

Flowers may be sent to Crestlawn Memorial Gardens, 4830 Columbia Road NE, Orangeburg, South Carolina 29118. Contact Number 803-534-3484.

Any donations may be sent to Leslie Simpson, 100 Glendevon Way, Columbia, SC 29229. Contact Number 803-290-2676.

To light a candle or leave a condolence in her memory, please visit www.danburymemorial.com

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