Mrs. Claretha Carnegie

Mrs. Claretha H. Carnegie passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the age of 101 in Brandon, Florida. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at New Hope M.B. Church, 3005 E. Ellicott Street, Tampa, FL 33610, with Pastor Adrian Reid serving as officiant and eulogist. Interment will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.

A native of Arcadia, Florida, Claretha H. Carnegie was born on May 23, 1924, to Arthur and Lucille Harris.  For most of her adult life, she resided in Haines City, FL, where she established her teaching career and several businesses.  Upon the passing of her beloved husband of 57 years, Ernest E. Carnegie, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to live with her daughter, son-in-law, and family. Most recently, she resided in Brandon, Florida, for the last ten years.  They were blessed with three children: Lorenzo Carnegie, a famed saxophonist with LTD; Mattye Gilyard, a retired HR Manager; and the late Wilbert Williams, an HR Director and LTC in the Army Reserve. 

Claretha began at Bethune-Cookman College before earning her bachelor’s degree in English and Library Science from Florida A&M University. She later received a master’s from Columbia Teachers College and pursued doctoral coursework there, continuing her doctoral studies at Florida Atlantic University.

Claretha was a devoted member of New Hope M.B. Church in Tampa, Florida, but for decades was also a member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Haines City, where she was affectionately known as “Mama C.”  She served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher as well as on a variety of ministerial committees.  She also sang soprano in the choir.  Also, living in Atlanta, she was a beloved Mother of the Church at Woods Memorial Baptist, where she planned and executed numerous church festivities and provided scholarships and educational assistance to children and young adults.

Mrs. Carnegie held a variety of roles throughout her life, including K-12 teacher, college professor, counselor, grants writer, entrepreneur, florist, radio program host for a Gospel Hour, Florida delegate, and community leader. She served on multiple committees, commissions, and boards alongside her husband. As an educator, she contributed to the development of the Pell Grant, created an accelerated learner’s program that grouped students by ability, and obtained the first grant for ADA accessibility at Polk Community College. She also participated in voter engagement initiatives, Project Cheer, Teacher Associations, NAACP, and other community programs and initiatives.

Claretha’s generosity and deep Christian faith were central to her life.  She was a witty, resilient, and loving woman far ahead of her time. 

She is survived by: her son, Lorenzo Carnegie (Roberta Rinaldi); daughter, Mattye Gilyard (Herman L.); sister, Evelyn Dallas; brothers, Arthur Harris Jr. and Harold Harris; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and loved ones.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners. www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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