Carolyn Carelock-Bowens

Carolyn Carelock-Bowens affectionately known as C.C., transitioned on July 29, 2026.

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Her words to everyone 'Please Stay In Your Lane'.

Carolyn was born on February 17, 1948 in White Plains, NY to the late Robert Farley Carelock and Mildred Louise Carelock. She attended White Plains Public Schools and graduated from White Plains High School in 1966. After high school, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1970. She later earned her master’s degree in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle.

Carolyn began her teaching career in Yonkers Public Schools in 1970 and became a member as she referred to as Yonkers Finest. She was a middle school social studies teacher with a passion for teaching African-American studies. Carolyn was active in the Yonkers Federation of Teachers during her time as a teacher and as a retiree. Ms. Carelock took a strong and loving interest in her students. She followed some of them into their adult lives and became their honorary parent.

On July 6, 1983, she married Callie Ray Bowens. During their union, they enjoyed shopping, traveling and gardening together until his death in 2023. They also were fitness partners and enjoyed jogging, walking and self care activities.

Carolyn took pride in being a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her interest began as a student at Morgan State University and she was later initiated through the Westchester Alumnae Chapter in 1973. She was an avid member of the Health and Wellness committee and was a strong supporter of all of the programs that focused on the initiatives of the organization. Carolyn had uninterrupted membership since her initiation.

During her retirement years, she enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling to casinos and hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for her extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her husband Callie Ray Bowens. She is survived by her sister Barbara Ann Carelock (Lawrence White), her niece Ebony Carelock and her great niece Skylar Dobbs. She is also survived by a host of cousins, neighbors, Sorors and friends. Carolyn will be sorely missed as she was a friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her words to everyone “Please Stay In Your Lane”.

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ATTENTION: During the continuing various health concerns, please govern yourself accordingly for the health & safety of all. Thank you so kindly!

A Wake/Visitation will be held on Thursday August 13th 2026, from 10:30AM-11:30AM at Bethel Baptist Church, immediately followed by Funeral Service at 11:30AM. So you may come to the Church to try to attend, & feel free to wear masks. At the very least you can get hand sanitizer & sign the register book (NOTE: please feel free to bring your own pen -OR- you may bring an address label to paste in register book in lieu of signing). If not at capacity, you will be allowed in to have a seat; but if at capacity by the time you get there, you may be required to leave the premises after signing register book, so as not to be in violation nor cause a health hazard, so please govern yourself accordingly. Regardless of if you're able to enter/be seated, or not, please refrain from too much touching/hugging/handshaking, preferably elbow bumping briefly if at all. If instructed, PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY leave the building & premises if the church is at their capacity. PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY follow & abide by the directions of the funeral home staff and/or church or cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the days of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the funeral home and/or church, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of Carolyn Carelock-Bowens entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Carelock Family during their time of bereavement.

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Please leave written condolences now herein on the Memory Wall to express your sorrow, share your memories, and as an expression of sympathy & way to communicate with/offer comfort to the family, that they and others may see, and may be a lasting tribute in her honor, whether you're able to attend or not. Definitely Please SIGN IN on the Memory Wall as a virtual way of signing the register book, especially if choosing to stay safe/not able to sign in person.

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Please feel free to come to the church wearing a mask, & feel free to wear a mask inside the church &/or at cemetery, and social distance as much as possible. If you know you have a coronavirus/COVID-19; are sick/experiencing symptoms of coronavirus/COVID-19/Measles; are immuno-compromised and/or have health/other conditions that make your body more susceptible to illness, please do NOT attend any services nor come to any facility. Please feel free to bring & use your own pen for signing the family's register book - you are encouraged to please BRING & use your own PEN for signing -OR- you may bring an address label to paste in register book in lieu of signing. Please follow & abide by the rules of the church, and directions of the funeral home staff and/or church & cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & any policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the church and/or funeral home, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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You may send flowers, and/or as a lasting tribute in lieu of flowers, you may choose to plant a tree in her name/memory/honor, and/or the family kindly suggests a contribution may be made in her name/memory/honor to: . If sending flowers, they may be delivered on either Wednesday August 12th, 2026 by/before 6:00PM to Lee's Funeral Home, or Thursday August 13th, 2026 by/before 10:15AM to Bethel Baptist Church. The Family Thanks You!