Mae Grace Carman

Mae G. “Big Mama” Carman, age 87, died peacefully on January 14, 2015 at home in her apartment at Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Mae was born on December 12, 1927, in Mayfield, Kentucky, the daughter of Mary E. Orr. She graduated from Dunbar High School.

On April 6, 1947 she married Herbert W. Carman Sr. To this union seven children were born. “Big Mama” loved her children and was a housewife, mother, and helpmate working in several job capacity.

Mother Carman had an unwavering faith in God. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Fairview Baptist Church in Mayfield, Kentucky. After moving to Gary, Indiana in 1953 she joined First Baptist Church and later united with Christ Baptist Church where she became a chartered member. Mother Carman moved to Lansing, Michigan in 1989 and after one visit to Union Missionary Baptist Church she immediately knew this was going to be her home. Later she united with the Mother’s Board and the Senior Ministry.

Mother Carman was very active at the Capitol Commons Senior Building working on the Kitchen Committee and wherever a pair of willing hands was needed. She also worked with the Grandparents program.

Mother Carman was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. She also loved to watch the food network channels. She was also a sports fan, enjoyed attending and watching baseball and basketball on TV.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Herbert W. Carman Sr, her son Herbert Carman Jr., brother John F. Walker, mother Mary E. Bickham, stepfather Leon Bickham; two grandsons, William F. Kirby and Edmund M. Carman.

Surviving are her children; Sylvia, Michael, Marion, George, Edmund Carman; RaeAnette (Zackary) Carter and LaMont William, Daughter-in-Law Janice Carman, 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Two surrogate daughters Marva Norton and Faye Curtis; her loving friends, Mother Martha P. Williams, Wilma Williams, Arlene Crocker, Lula Hines and Mary Newton. Many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

“Big Mama’s” daughter-in-law Edith Carman lovingly help care, provide assistance and was always there when needed during these last few months of her life. Derrick Kirklen, her grandson who she looked forward to seeing every day, also provided assistance with her care when needed. Also, her daughter Marion Carmen helped take care of her when she resided in Lansing, Michigan. The family gives them their greatest gratitude.

In lieu of flowers, it was “Big Mama’s” wish that those desiring, make contributions to Danae Kirklen [her great-granddaughter who is fighting cancer] at www.GoFund Me.com/bummhO “A Blessing for NaeNae”.