Thomasina "Tommie" D. Carr

Thomasina “Tommie” Carr was born in Yonkers, New York on May 23, 1940 to Thomas and Rosa Deloatch. As a bright Yonkers High School student, she was inducted into the National Honors Society and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from New York University in Psychology. She later obtained her Master’s degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Tommie had two daughters with her former husband David E Carr Jr. In 1973, she and her family moved from New York to Connecticut where she spent the next 35 years. When Tommie retired, she relocated to Arizona to be with her daughters and grandchildren.

Tommie Carr was a caring, dedicated woman who spent the majority of her career working in social services whether it be at the School for the Deaf or State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Youth Services (DCYS). Tommie worked a number of years in the State of Connecticut, Office of Human Rights and Resources to then move on and ultimately become the Affirmative Action Officer at the state’s Department of Public Health. By the time she retired, Tommie held the position of Chief Diversity Officer within the Office of Diversity & Equity at Central Connecticut State University.

Tommie spent her retirement years enjoying her grandchildren who referred to her as “Gram”. Whether “Gram” was picking someone up from school or attending a sporting event, she was always present unless she was traveling the globe- another activity she deeply enjoyed. Tommie visited many countries throughout her life and appreciated revisiting some from her youth after her retirement. In addition to spending time with her grandchildren, Tommie attended classes at the LifeLong Learning Center at Chandler-Gilbert Community College; volunteered at St. Mary’s food bank regularly; participated in several book clubs that bolstered her love of books and attended Bethel AME Church. Tommie had always loved classical music, and in her later years, she rekindled her passion for opera by regularly attending the Metropolitan of Opera recasts showcased at her local theatre and even taking a weeklong trip to the Met to enjoy the music up close.

Tommie is survived by her daughters Helen Parker and Davida Carr; her son-in law Derek Parker; her grandchildren Jasmine Parker, Joshua Parker and Cameron Rivera; as well as her siblings Linda Tyson, Lawrence Deloatch; her nephew Na’im Tyson and extended family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 12, 2024 at Greater Bethel A.M.E Church: 7040 S. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85042.

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