LaTisha Janine Carroll

LaTisha J. Carroll, 49, departed this life unexpectedly on Friday, February 20, 2026, following a brief illness. Though her transition leaves an immeasurable void, the love she gave so freely and the strength she embodied will remain with us always.

Born on April 13, 1976, in Columbus, Ohio, LaTisha was a woman of depth, conviction, and grace. She carried herself with quiet strength and unwavering loyalty. A beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, Soror, and friend, she was known for her protective spirit, sharp wit, and the warmth she extended to those she loved. Those closest to her understood that beneath her calm demeanor was a fierce devotion to family, faith, and purpose.

LaTisha was a proud graduate of Columbus Public Schools and completed her secondary education at Columbus Briggs High School in 1994. She continued her academic journey at Central State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1999. During her time at Central State, she thrived academically and socially. She was inducted as an associate member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, served as a Student Ambassador, and was a proud member of the Invincible Marching Marauder Auxiliary Corps/Drill Team. She often spoke fondly of her collegiate experiences and the lifelong bonds she formed there. She embodied the motto For God, For Central, For State!.

Committed to lifelong learning and service, LaTisha earned her Associate of Arts in Nursing from Columbus State Community College in 2009. She later achieved both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2016—milestones that reflected her dedication to growth and excellence.

LaTisha began her professional career in 1999 with Columbus City Schools, serving as a substitute teacher, later becoming a “super substitute,” and ultimately leading her own classroom at Brookhaven High School, where she taught Environmental Science and Chemistry. Throughout her time in education, she built meaningful relationships at several schools, including Africentric Early College High School, Mifflin High School, Barrett Middle School, and others. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom.

Answering a deeper call to care for others, LaTisha transitioned into nursing. She served as a Patient Care Assistant at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital before beginning her nursing career at the Ross Heart Hospital. She later worked as a travel nurse in various correctional facilities, including Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility and Franklin County Correctional Center. Most recently, she was employed with IBA Support Services, owned by her longtime friend of 30 years. In every role, she demonstrated compassion, competence, and a commitment to serving underserved communities.

One of LaTisha’s most cherished milestones was her initiation into the Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in Spring 2003, alongside her beloved twin sister, LaTonya. Together, they were Sisters, Sorors, and Sands—a bond that held profound meaning throughout her life. She joyfully traveled to Delta, and other Divine 9 Greek events locally and nationally. Her dedication to service also extended to Winona Chapter #86, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA (later transitioned to Esther Chapter #3 in 2023), El Hasa Court #47, Auxiliary of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S., PHA, and her nursing sorority Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., Gamma Eta Chapter.

LaTisha possessed a presence that could not be ignored. She was resilient in adversity, steadfast in her beliefs, and generous with her heart. She valued family above all, cherished meaningful conversations, and offered wisdom both through her words and her quiet example. One of her greatest joys was caring for her granddaughter, Barbee Anne, who brought immeasurable light into her life. Through every season of life, she offered unwavering support and selfless sacrifice, ensuring both her son and her nephew, Zaphere Carroll, always came first—no matter how full her responsibilities were.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Willie Ann Stephens; father, Urel Carroll, Jr.; grandmothers, Bertha Watson and Juanita Howard; and grandfathers, Urel Carroll, Sr., and Jesse Howard.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving son, Toby Rushing, Jr. aka “Bubba”, her devoted twin sister, LaTonya Carroll; her brothers, Rahsaan (Charisse) Stephens and Terrell (Mary) Stephens; her treasured granddaughter, Barbee Anne Rushing, her devoted nephews Zaphere Carroll, Rahsaan Stephens, II and beloved nieces Katrinka Stephens, Alexandra Stephens, and Athena Stephens. She also leaves behind her adored best friend of 30 years, Lynda Ray, along with a host of relatives, Sorors, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her presence.

Though we grieve her physical absence, we celebrate a life that reflected strength, love, service, and authenticity. Her legacy lives in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:8