Carrie Elizabeth McElroy

Carrie Elizabeth Wilson

Carrie Elizabeth Wilson, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.  Carrie was born on December 26^th, 1947, in Lafayette, Alabama, Carrie was the second child born to her loving parents Eddie B. and Georgia L. Wilson.

Growing up, Ann and Carrie were consent companions, always dressed alike, always together.  Carrie always showed love and dedication to her family.  She earned the nickname of Wild Bill from her dad, because if she was instructed to go right you can just bet, she was going left.

In 1950 the family moved to Denver, Colorado and we had another sister, Barbara Jean, Carrie was no longer the baby, that didn’t go over to well but she loved her siblings’.  Always there to help when ever she could.  She was so thrilled when we finally got a brother, Leon. 

Carrie received her education through the DPS system, Wyman, Gilpin, Cole and Manual High, Class of “65”. She always had a heart for doing hair, starting with her dolls, graduating to family, friends and neighbors.

In 1966 Carrie continued her education by attending Mile High Beauty College, where she received her degree in Cosmetology, going on to work at Larrys Hair Salon, Joslin’s Hair Salon, where she received many acknowledgements for coloring, cutting and styling both ethnic and white hair, which was rare back in those days. 

Carrie met and married Charles B. Brown, this marriage was later dissolved though they reminded good friends.   She later married Charles McElroy, who proceeded her in death. There were no children in either union.

Carrie was encouraged to become an entrepreneur by her dear friend the late Charlie Hurst, and opened her own salon, which she named “Hair Reasons” inspired by “Reasons”,  a club owned by the late Mr. Hurst.  One of her proudest days was when her brother Leon and niece Eugine joined her in the saloon, she loved her family.

Carrie’s personality was defined by honesty and an unwavering willingness to help others.  Always available to lend a helping hand to her church, family, friends, and neighbors.  Once she took the blanket off her bed and carried it to a man lying in the alley along with a plate of food and water.  She loved to cook and bake which she did often and would give to anyone whom she felt needed or would enjoy a home cooked meal. 

Church was a must in the household, Carrie embraced faith at an early age, being Baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church, attending Union Baptist Church and later found her forever church home “The House of Joy”, where she served on the Hospitality, Kitchen, and Pastor Aide Ministry and became one of the mother of the church.  She truly loved God always quick to ask you did the Lord say it are you saying it “Lets Pray”.  She would always quote a word of wisdom told to her by the late “Mother Beechman”.

One of her greatest professional achievements was writing religious articles for the Body of Christ News.     When asked about her writings she stated that’s not me it’s the Lord giving me subjects and thoughts on what I should write.  Some times it would be a while between articles, when asked why?  She would state the Lord has not given me anything yet.

Carrie had a special bond with each family member she loved her family and displayed it in love, laughter and prayers.  She had no biological children but was a mother to all, her sibilings, niece and nephew, and friends were all her children.  She didn’t mind telling the young men to pull up their pants, or the young ladies to cover up and then ask them what they knew about the Lord.

She was looking forward to her birthday, December 26^th, all she wanted was to see all her niece and nephews together on her day.  But God said not so.  On December 6, 2023,  Carrie passed away peacefully at home, her memory and impact on those she knew will live on forever.

Carrie was proceeded in death by her mother, Georgie, and father, Eddie, brother, Leon and nephews Craig B. Bean, Jean M. Stewart. She is survived by sisters Martha “Ann” Bean, Denver, Bobbie J (Brian)Vaugh, Sandra Phason, Aurora, Patricia Wilson, Oklahoma. Brother, Eddie Wilson, Denver, 8 nieces, 5 nephews, many great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.  1  aunt Mrs. Mattie L. Davis, Lynette, AL  Her BFF Missionary Marlene Wells.

Carrie requested no celebration down here.  “this is not my home, my celebration will be when I enter the gates and see his face”.  Family don’t cry, I’m home!  Love, Carrie