Carolyn Helena Stennett

On Saturday, December 12, 2020, Carolyn (“Mama C”) H. Stennett passed away peacefully surrounded by her immediate loving family. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on January 12, 1944 and was the daughter of the late Lester and Rose Stennett. Carolyn received her early education in the Baltimore City Public Schools and received her High School Diploma from Eastern High School. On July 5th, 1970, Carolyn became the first Miss Black Baltimore by winning the beauty pageant in Baltimore, Maryland. Carolyn always had interest in science and particularly in the medical field. She received histology and autopsy technician experience at the University of Maryland Medical Center. During her career she also held positions as an operating room technician at Union Memorial Hospital and as a coordinator in Oncology and Organ Procurement in the Renal Division at the John Hopkins Hospital. In 1984, she joined the Maryland Tissue Bank and Laboratory (currently The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland – The LLF) shortly after it was established, becoming one of the pioneers in tissue banking in the State of Maryland. She retired in January, 2014; however, post retirement, she continued to support The LLF. Carolyn’s devoted career in tissue banking spanned over 30 years; the tissue bank was her passion. “Mama C” was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, mother-in-law, and a caring, loving companion. She was always supportive of the family and provided straight forward guidance. “Mama C” shared a special bond with her son-in-law Alberto; she was his American Mother (“Ms. Stennett”) and he was her “son”. Together with her long-time companion Leon (“Chip”), she enjoyed gatherings with family and co-workers. She loved to cook, everyone will miss her fried chicken and chili. She also enjoyed traveling, writing poetry, music, playing board and card games, and the slot machines at the casinos. Carolyn leaves to cherish her memories: devoted daughter Quandra Lagos; two grandchildren Lamont Cole and Serita Lagos; four great-grandchildren Latavea, Labre, Zayden, and Lathan Cole; two brothers, Raphael and Karl Stennett; two nieces Zina (“Cris”) and Kolbi Stennett; one nephew Carl Stennett; special cousins Delores Brooks, Edith Hemsley, and Cheree Sessoms; devoted son-in-law Alberto Lagos; devoted companion Leon (“Chip”) Scott, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her daughter Dale Scott. Carolyn will be deeply missed and forever loved by her family, co-workers, friends, and all who knew her. The family will hold a private memorial service; Carolyn’s final resting place will be at the Westminster Cemetery, Westminster, Maryland. Acknowledgements The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown and expressions of comfort, love, and prayers which have been extended during their time of bereavement. May God bless each one of you. God Saw You Getting Tired God saw you getting tired And a cure was not to be So he put His arms around you And whispered “Come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you As you slowly slipped away And though we loved you dearly We couldn’t make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating You tired hands put to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. - Frances and Kathleen Coelho