Obituary of Raynaide Darnell Carson

ROCHESTER, NY – October 3, 2024 Raynaide Darnell Carson was affectionately known as “Naide” to folks in her hometown and “Rae” to all others. Rae returned home to her Heavenly Father on October 3, 2024 at the age of 73. Born in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, to Courtney and Wilfred Randall, Rae was the oldest of two children. She was raised in an environment that gave tremendous attention and appreciation to Christian values and ideals. In their home, God was first above all else. Rae also came of age in the segregated Jim Crow South, where black teachers thoroughly emphasized respect, self-determination and the transformative nature of education. She attended Frederick Douglass Elementary School and James Weldon Johnson Middle and High School from first to tenth grade. In the eleventh grade Rae started classes at York High School which was the first time she attended schools with white students. But that didn’t stop Rae from being exceptional as she finished in the top 12% of her class and was one of the first black cheerleaders in York High School. Family vacations each summer were the highpoint of her year and served as the reason Rae had a passion for traveling.The Randalls typically traveled to other parts of Virginia and Washington D.C. During high school, she was introduced to the illustrious Howard University on one of these summer journeys. During her days at the fabled Howard University, Rae ambitiously majored in Sociology, while taking up a minor in Pre-School Education. During her senior year, Rae decided to expand her interest in serving the community and love for sisterhood so she joined the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She also joined Howard University’s cheerleading team and eventually earned the distinction of co-captain. It was during her time at Howard that Rae met Sam Carson, who became her loving husband and partner for more than 50 years. They were engaged in 1973 and married in Howard’s campus chapel in July of 1974. Together, they raised two sons, Chris and Craig, with the same values of education, service and community that Rae held close to her heart. Rae graduated from Howard University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and went on to earn her master’s in Education in 1974 (with a specialty in guidance counseling). Sam and Rae moved to Rochester, New York around 1979 to start a family and advance their careers. She worked for the Department of Labor and Citi Bank from 1974-1990. She served as a guidance counselor for Monroe Middle School and subsequently Rush Henrietta High School. In her time as a guidance counselor, she devoted over 25 years to the students and families, retiring as a highly respected and decorated guidance counselor in June of 2018. In addition to her professional work, Rae was deeply committed to her faith and community. A lifelong member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church (MOBC), she was instrumental in establishing a tutoring program for K-6 students, served on the Christian Education Board, and led the MOBC Scholarship Committee. Her dedication to service extended beyond the church walls. During her sons' childhood, Rae served as a Boy Scout troop leader, guiding both Chris and Craig to achieve the highest rank in scouting, i.e. Eagle Scout. She also volunteered for various civic organizations, including the International Association of Business Communicators, American Society of Training & Development and the New York Counseling Association. Rae’s passion for service was complemented by her commitment to her beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. In July 2024, she proudly received her 50-year membership pin at the Boule in Dallas, Texas, an honorable distinction for her powerful devotion to this storied sisterhood and its profound legacy. Rae’s warmth, leadership and unwavering servitude was one of a kind.Through her role as a guidance counselor, she empowered countless young people to find their purpose in life. She was a wonderful Wife, an amazing Mother and fantastic friend. In many ways, Rae was a superwoman. She believed in the power of education and its ability to transform our lives. Her impact will live forever and she will always serve as an example of an inspirational God-fearing black woman. Rae is survived by; her husband, Samuel Carson; her sons, Christopher (Wife-Ashley) and Craig (Wife-Khadijah) Carson; her cherished granddaughter, Abigayle Carson; and a multitude of extended family and dear friends. Friends may call Saturday, October 19 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate her life will immediately follow. Interment at the convenience of the family.