LEGACY: Carolyn Norment Whitney

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Carolyn Whitney

Reading, writing, storytelling, photography, teaching – all of these and more were woven into the life of Carolyn Norment Whitney.

The founder of the Sisters Network Memphis Chapter, a pioneer African-American Breast Cancer survivorship organization, Mrs. Whitney passed away on the evening of Nov. 2 at age 77. She had spent the day preparing for the 2018 First Ladies Breakfast.

A breast cancer survivor, Mrs. Whitney made it her business to make a difference in the world. Through the Sisters Network Memphis Chapter, Mrs. Whitney moved systematically forward to help educate others about the devastating impact of breast cancer. Each September, Mrs. Whitney and the local Sisters Network outlet hosted their Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheons.

Octobers were the backdrop as Mrs. Whitney and her breast-cancer awareness partners knocked on doors spreading the word via the Gift For Life Block Walk. Her co-horts bear witness that the Sisters Network Memphis Chapter was “the fruit of her faith and obedience from God.”

In 2006, Mrs. Whitney wrote and published “Wrapped in God’s Blessings.” Inspired by her life events, the book emphasized Whitney’s personal journey with breast cancer. A year later, she was in Los Angeles receiving the Lifetime TV Hero Award.

For many, Mrs. Whitney was the epitome of a dedicated teacher. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1958 she continued her education at Tennessee A&I State University becoming a teacher within the Memphis City Schools system. She taught for 42 years, ending her career with MCS at Fairley Elementary School, where she gave 30 years of service as a first-grade instructor and organized the schools first gospel choir.

Along the way, Mrs. Whitney earned a master’s degree, amassed 45 post-graduate hours from the University of Memphis and became a career ladder level II teacher. She was listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.

A member of the Crescent Club, Mrs. Whitney served on the executive council. She was a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the National Council of Negro Women and the American Business Women’s Association.

Mrs. Whitney was a dedicated member of St. Paul Baptist Church, where Dr. Christopher Davis Sr. is the pastor. She sang in the mass choir and was a part of the SAVVY Seniors Ministry at the Book Club Ministry.

She leaves her husband of 53 years, Maron Whitney; a son Marlon (Julie); a daughter, Najeyah El-amin (formerly Cristal); a brother, Charles Lewis (Helen); two grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Services were held at St. Paul Baptist Church, with burial in West Tennessee Veterans Center. E. H. Ford’s Mortuary had charge.