Naomi K. Carson

Dignity, elegance, faith-filled, wisdom, courage and strength are words which described Naomi Katherine Carson.

On the evening of May 29, 2019, Heaven burst its gates wide open in earnest anticipation of Pastor Dr. Naomi Katherine Carson.

Naomi K. Carson was born on December 27, 1922 in Nashville, Tennessee, County of Mt. Juliet, to the proud parents, the late Erna Lee and Joe Henry Williamson. Naomi was one of four children. Her siblings, who preceded her in death were Arthur Charles, Juanita and Margarette. As a child, the family spent a great portion of their time in Russellville, Kentucky and Beaver Dam, Kentucky. Finally, the family relocated to Louisville, Kentucky. She often told a story that as she entered school, she joined other community children in walking over six miles to school. She would soon realize the unfairness of Caucasian children riding to the well-built brick school while African American children walked. She committed herself to getting an education. After graduating from high school, she continued her education at the Madame C.J. Walker Beauty School where she pursued her career as a beautician. She would use her own vehicle as means of transporting clients to and from her beauty shop.

At an early age, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and there started a journey that would shape her life and generations to come.

In her younger years, Naomi was an avid basketball player and teammates would call her, “Shorty.” Her love for the sport led her to finding her soulmate and partner at a basketball game in Russellville, Kentucky. Naomi was united in marriage to the late Leo Carson, Sr. in 1940. To this union were born two children, Leo M. Carson, Jr. and the late Faye L. Carson. Although she had two children, God sent her many sons and daughters from all walks of life. Pastor Carson was a strong and righteous woman who taught Leo, Faye, and others the values of honesty, truth, compassion, perseverance and the importance of keeping a spiritual focus. Pastor Carson was a dedicated mother, first and foremost, especially when Leo and Faye discovered her presence at their graduation prom. She simply wanted to embrace every moment with them.

In 1958, she joined the General Assembly Church of the First Born and later was ordained as a minister of the Gospel. Within this ministry she traveled extensively with the Full Gospel Ministries. Pastor Carson later became the Pastor of the General Assembly Church of the First Born (GACFC) due to the death of the standing Pastor. During this time of the ministry, the Lord had a new vision for the GACFC family. Thus, she followed the leading of the Lord and joined the Tabernacle of Prayer for All People, Inc. (TOP), in Jamaica, New York under the leadership of the late Apostle Johnnie L. Washington. She also traveled with the Tabernacle Fellowship to many international countries (Jerusalem, Egypt, and Greece) and many cities in the United States. Pastor Carson was blessed to serve as the Pastor for over 53 years and as the Dean of the Tabernacle Bible Institute for 40 years. Over the years many souls have been converted under the preaching and dynamic leadership of Pastor Carson.

Many years later, she received an Honorary Doctorate degree in Ministry and Theology in recognition of her many years of service as a teacher and preacher of God’s Holy Word and for her steadfast leadership in the church. This woman of God lived to please the Lord, of which was evident each time she approached the sacred desk, to bring forth the Word of God. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Hebrews 12:14. Also, Pastor Carson was often known to address the congregation with her motto: “I don’t care what part of the family I am, whether the pinkie, the little toe or the big toe, as long as I am in the family of God.”

Pastor Carson also had a special interest for the elderly, the sick and shut-in and the disabled at hospitals, as well as nursing homes. For that reason, she became a dedicated member of the “Spiritual Group,” at the Christian Health Center, Louisville, Kentucky.

Pastor Carson truly loved the Lord and was often blessed to show hospitality to so many who were welcomed in her home. Those who have been privileged to grace her home can never forget the aroma that can only be associated with a hearty “Kentucky breakfast.” She is known for canning vegetables and preserves, homemade biscuits, home fries, strawberry pies, etc. In addition, she had a passion for animals where she would feed so many cats and birds daily in her backyard.

Pastor Carson will always be known and remembered for her classiness, sense of style and for the love of her hats and high heel shoes, even in her seasoned years and would complain when having to wear low heeled shoes.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Pastor Carson during her 96 years, among them: to read and study the Bible, to always pray about everything and worry about nothing, to stay together in unity, to be concerned about others. As the Lord has called His precious jewel home, from labor, to rest, we rejoice in knowing that we shall see her again, if we keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus Christ. Our loss and sorrow are deep but our loss is Heaven’s gain. We love you Pastor Carson, sleep in peace and rest in Paradise.

Dr. Naomi Carson leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her legacy: her son, Leo M. Carson, Jr. (Carol), her grandchildren: Lisa Jane and Leo, III (Trysia); her great grand-children: Philip, Angie, LeNae, Daryl, Monique, Leo, IV, and Sierra; nieces: Janie and Patricia; nephews: Harold, Arthur, Jr. and Jimmy; friends and acquaintances. It certainly is a blessing to mention that she also will be remembered by dozens of families whose lives she had touched through the years: Bonds, Dozier, Fraser, Houston, Johnson, Patterson, Saulters, Staten, Walters, Warrens, including the Jamaica Tabernacle of Prayer.