Carolyn Lewis Mosby, of Richmond, made her triumphant entry into eternity on October 1, 2024 at Ginter Hall South Assisted Living facility. She was born on March 6, 1937 in Lynchburg, Virginia to the late Mr. & Mrs. Wilbert T. Lewis, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Wilbert T. Lewis, Jr. Carolyn graduated from Dunbar High School in 1954 and enrolled into Virginia Union University. She was elected Miss Virginia Union in the fall of 1957. She was an honors graduate of Virginia Union University and received her B.S. degree in mathematics in 1958. She later earned her M.A. degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1971 and her Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1983.
Carolyn began her teaching career as an English and Special Education teacher at East High School in Buffalo, New York in 1959. She returned to Richmond in 1961 and began teaching at Blackwell Junior High School. In 1965 Carolyn was transferred to John Marshall High School and was the first and only African American teacher to be assigned there that year. She was promoted to assistant principal in 1971 and served in that capacity until she retired in 1974. She taught mathematics in the Upward Bound program at Virginia Union University and was hired as an assistant professor of mathematics and director of the Learning Skills Center. In 1975 she served as the Acting Director of the General Studies Department.
She became the first academic African American Administrator at John Tyler Community College in 1979 when she was hired to head the Developmental Studies Division. She later became Division Chair, Mathematics, Science and Allied Health Division. She retired from John Tyler in 1990.
Carolyn received many awards for her career in academia, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Virginia Union University and the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Math Department at Virginia State University. She was recognized as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1970 by the Kiwanis Club of North Richmond and served as a public member of the State Health Regulatory Board, appointed by Governor Linwood Holton. She was interviewed the The History Makers to share the challenges and accomplishments she experienced during the 70's. The video oral history interview is a permanent part of the HISTORYMAKERSCOLLECTION in The Library of Congress.
Cherishing her memory are her devoted, loving and caring husband of 61 years, Alexander “Jack” Mosby Jr.; two nieces, Rebecca Lewis Scott and Cegies Lewis Conner (Alphonso); two sisters-in-law, Jacquelyn Mosby Tate (Fred) and Joyce Turner Lewis; devoted neighbor, Ruth Walker and a host of many caring friends.
The family will receive friends at Scott's Funeral Home, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday,, October 10, 2024. A celebration of life will be held 12 noon October 11 at First Baptist Church of South Richmond, 1501 Decatur Street. Dr. Dwight C. Jones officiating. Interment private. Per the family's request, there will be no viewing.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may contribute in memory of Carolyn L. Mosby to The Scholarship Ministry of the First Baptist Church of South Richmond or to Virginia Union University. The legacy of this courageous and eloquent woman will live on forever.
Arrangements by Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd.
We offer our deepest sympathy to Jack on the passing of Carolyn. May all who knew & loved her be comforted by God's grace during during this most difficult period of grief. Respectfully, Thomas & Shelia Shaw
Carolyn Mosby will always be remembered in our family. Rest in Heavenly Peace Mrs. Mosby. Gone but never forgotten. 💔
I met Mrs. Mosby when I was a student at John Marshall High School from 1970-1974. I didn't see her again until 2019, at our 45th Class Reunion. When I spoke with her, she said to me you are still smiling and laughing. I thought that was so precious that she remembered me in that way. Those words really blessed me. Continue to treasure the memories you have of this precious, unique Woman. Remember GOD IS FAITHFUL! Kathy Braswell Bagby
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Carolyn Lewis Mosby. She was a wonderful mentor to me when I served as National President of The Girl Friends, Incorporated.
Mr. Mosby, sending my sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family. May God continue to be with you and comfort you and may precious memories sustain you now and in the days to come.
Violet Miller
Mrs. Mosby has always had a special place in my memories of high school. She was a fabulous teacher and I loved her Geometry class! She was such fun and made math seem easy( to a girl who was NEVER a mathematician!) I was so glad to see her again at our 50 year high school reunion. As I read of all she accomplished in her career, I am not surprised. In my brief time in her life, she impressed me as a sincere woman of integrity who brought out the best in those around her. I can imagine how dear she was to those who had the privilege of sharing life longer with her. I am sorry for your loss. Ann Ingram Popovich
Carolyn has always been a ray of sunshine and a wonderful friend. Her kind deeds will long be remembered. She leaves a legendary life of joy to others. Elizabeth Lambert Johns
To the Mosby Family, We send our sincere sympathy to you. Mrs. Mosby was such a joy to our Ginter Hall South Family. Thank you for sharing her with us. May God surround you all with peace, comfort, and strength for each day. Linda Bishop, Executive Director and the Ginter Hall South Staff.
What a beautiful person, Jack, you won the lottery when you met Carolyn.
"You are a Handsome young man!" Words she spoke to me when I entered her Math Class a Blackwell Jr High School in I believe 1962... Those words would resonate for years to a young man unsure about his own confidence and self esteem! I became a highly motivated student who had a strong crush on this beautiful spirit! Thank you Queen for inspiring me and boosting my self confidence! My condolences to your family and friends and may the Ancestors greet you with all the Majesty and honor befitting an extraordinary Woman!
Our Condolences to the family! Ida & Junnie Jones
Condolences to the family! Ida & Junnie Jones
Bro. Jack, you & the family have our deepest sympathy. Over the years, we have enjoyed relationships with Carolyn from students, to mentees, to peers, and to friends. She left great impressions on our lives through her elegance, wit, & wisdom. She will be missed. Please be comforted by the wonderful memory of her legacy.
Rayford and Amy Harris
Our Sincere condolences and continued prayers as you go through this time of bereavement.May Our God of Comfort and peace be your strength 💕🙏🏾 Sam & Cynthia Wiley
May you experience God's comfort and peace in the care of those who loved Carolyn so dearly. Bryon and Josefa Bethea Wall
To The Mosby Family Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your loved one. May the legacy of her love for family, friends, and humanity continue to comfort you in the coming days, months, and years ahead. Club533 Member Ivory C. Scott Sr. & Wife Barbara J. Bingham-Scott
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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