Mrs. Carrie Elizabeth Ward Holston was born February 8, 1957, in Birmingham, Alabama, the fourth child of Cleveland and Eula Ward. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Ensley.

 

Carrie attended Birmingham Public Schools and graduated from Wenonah High School in 1975. With her desire to be of service to others, she continued her education at Lawson State Community College and Bessemer State Technical College, earning the Licensed Practical Nurse certification. This career choice gave her the opportunity to work in several hospitals and private practices in the Birmingham area.

 

After relocating to Georgia, she united with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Powder Springs. There she served as not only a faithful member, but also served several years as Church Secretary. She was full of personality and leadership qualities. She was never content to be just a member and served a term as Worthy Matron of Villa Rica Eastern Star Chapter No. 138. She also served a term as President of the Silhouettes of the Carrolton-Douglasville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

 

Although nursing was her vocation and service was her calling, sewing was her passion. She often said “If I can see it, I can go home and make it.” Carrie did everything from alterations for family and friends to quilts and rugs. During her final months, she convinced the hospital staff to allow her to have her sewing machine brought to the hospital. During that time she made multiple quilts. When the pandemic struck, she shifted her focus and made dozens of masks for family and hospital staff.