Carolina lived a full and vibrant life. From her early days working as a waitress in her teens to serving the community at Key Magnolia Truck Stop, she later found her calling in the culinary arts. She retired after 17 years as a chef at Rice University, where she left a lasting impact through her passion and service.
On May 3, 1996, she married the love of her life, Charles Tisby, in Houston, Texas. Together, they built a life filled with love and family. Carolina is survived by her daughters, Charlesetta R. Tisby and Jessica T. Martin; her sister, Gwendolyn Cooper; and her grandsons, Messiah Tisby and Israel Tisby-Moore. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Tisby; her mother, Dorothy J. Johnson; her father, Howard Cooper Jr.; and her brother, Andrew Cooper.
Carolina enjoyed life on her terms. She loved traveling across the U.S., playing her lucky numbers at the casino, sharing good meals, and bringing joy to those around her. Her laugh, her fire, and her unmatched spirit will be dearly missed.
She was a proud member of the Eastern Stars, a dedicated Girl Scout Troop Captain, and an active participant in numerous community organizations throughout her life.
Visitation will be held on July 11, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, located at 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble, TX 77338. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am . A committal service will take place at 1:00 pm at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carolina's honor to local women's shelters, food pantries, or to the educational fund for her grandsons, Messiah and Israel. These are causes she deeply believed in and supported in life.
Her legacy of strength, generosity, and resilience lives on in those who love her.
