Carrie Adella Nall

Born on March 19, 1948, to teenage parents, Carrie Adella Nall was placed in the devoted care of her adoptive parents, Charlie and Margaret Nall, who raised her in a loving home and in the faithfilled community of Greater St. John COGIC, where she remained a lifelong member. As a toddler, Carrie was reunited with her biological mother, Dorothy Lee Samuels Alexander, and as a teenager she met her biological father, Asa C. Jenkins, Sr.

A Mansfield native, Carrie attended Mansfield Public Schools before entering the workforce. In the mid-1970s, Carrie was hired at the General Motors (GM) CPC Plant in Ontario, breaking into a male-dominated industry at a time when women had few such opportunities, and proving herself through hard work and determination. As a union member, she became a strong advocate for workers' rights, fairness, and safety. Her career at GM spanned more than 30 years, providing stability for herself and her children.

Family was at the center of Carrie's life. As a single mother, she raised her four children-Charles, Mary "Cissi," Quinn, and Timus "Tim"-with determination and strong faith in God, teaching them to work through hardship, care for themselves and their home, and stand on their own. Through her words and example, she instilled independence, responsibility, resilience, and the strength to keep moving forward.

Carrie endured the heartbreaking loss of two of her children. Her son, Quinn, tragically died in an accident at 25. Years later, her daughter, Cissi, died at 35 following a battle with cancer. Carrie carried both losses with enduring love, keeping their memories forever in her heart. Her love for family continued into the next generation-following Quinn's death, she stepped forward to help raise his son, Anthony, providing the same guidance and care she had given her own children.

Carrie also believed in civic responsibility. She took pride in voting and served as a juror when called, with letters documenting her service. She attended community meetings and spoke up when she believed something needed to be addressed. She was never afraid to use her voice.

To her longtime friends, who affectionately called her Carrie Della, she was loyal, loving, funny, and dependable. She treasured her family and took great pride in the accomplishments of her nieces and nephews. Carrie had an eye for design and color, favoring rich greens, soft creams, warm whites, touches of gold, and bright colors, and she loved bringing family and friends together. Her cornbread dressing, sweet potato pie, and pound cake became favorites at family gatherings.

Music was another source of joy. Carrie enjoyed both gospel and secular music, with the O'Jays holding a special place in her heart-she treasured the memory of meeting frontman Eddie LeVert after a private performance in New York City. She also enjoyed dancing, traveling, shopping, watching The Price Is Right and HGTV, and following sports.

During the final 18 months of Carrie's life, her family returned the same love and devotion she had always given them. Her sons, Charles and Tim, ensured she never missed a doctor's appointment or hospital visit, driving her locally and to Columbus alike, regardless of time, weather, or ambulance availability. Her granddaughter, Tashia, a Registered Nurse, became the Lead Caregiver, overseeing her medications, treatments and helping the family navigate her medical care. Her grandsons, Kevin and Anthony, prepared meals and provided daily support and comfort.

Those who knew her will remember her warm smile, loving heart, quick wit, and strong personality. Carrie never shied away from the truth or hesitated to speak her mind-whether you wanted to hear it or not, you could always count on her to tell it like it was. Her honesty and humor will be remembered with love.

Carrie was preceded in death by her beloved mothers and fathers; her children, Quinn and Cissi; her brother, Garret Keith Alexander; and her beloved friend, Harvey Day, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Charles (Londa Jennings) Nall and Tim (Taryn) Nall; grandchildren Kevin Marrable, Tashia Nall, Jarod Nall, Anthony Q. Nall, and Lauryn Nall, all of Mansfield, and Char'le Nall of Palm Bay, FL; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; siblings Aaron Alexander of Atlanta, GA; Tracy Alexander of Midwest City, OK; Lenora Alexander and Asa (Roberta) Jenkins, Jr. of Denver, CO; Debra Jenkins Wherry-Bey of Mansfield, OH; Je K. (Anita) Jenkins of Cleveland, OH; Valerie Stitt of Texas; and Terri Jenkins of Aurora, CO; cousins Elke Alexander of Atlanta, GA and Ben Alexander of Augusta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She is also survived by special nieces-in-love, Cenita Scott of Chicago Heights, IL, and Mary McKinney of Kansas City, KS; and godchildren Brian Chapman, Teresa James, and Lakishia Marbury.

Though Carrie's physical presence is no longer with us, her love, faith, strength, humor, and spirit remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. We mourn her passing while celebrating a life defined by family, faith, hard work, service, resilience, and love.