Obituary of Dorothea A. Carraway

Dorothea Ann Carraway, 60, 192 9th St., Troy, New York, transitioned from earth to paradise on Thursday, June 20, 2024.

Dorothea was born on April 15, 1964, to Janet VanAlstyne and Harry Charles Coleman in Hudson, New York. She has an older brother, Larry Van Alstyne and a younger sister, Althea Coleman. When her mother, due to illness, could no longer care for the girls, they were lovingly raised by their aunt, Betty Goldston, who Dorothea was instrumental in bringing to the Lord.

Dorothea committed her life to Christ as an 18 year old. She was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost at Redemption Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith at that time located at 230 Second Street, Troy, New York.

Dorothea graduated from Troy High School and worked at the Watervliet Arsenal and for the Center for the
Disabled, caring for those with disabilities.

From that time on she dedicated her life fully to His service, being a faithful witness and worker in Redemption Church Ministries.She especially excelled in fundraising and left memorable impressions on all with her stories, bright smile, and hearty laughter. Her warm personality and enthusiasm attracted many supporters to Redemption Christian Academy and the Pathfinders youth group musician’s outreach. Dorothea had a beautiful voice and sang the lead in many choir songs. She was loved by all who met her.

Dorothea married Sidney Allen Carraway in 1988 and after 28 years of marriage, became a widow in 2016. They had no children, but were especially fond of Sulimen “Sully” Mouzon, son of her friend, Antionette “Cookie” Mouzon. She maintained very close sister-like relationships with Shirley Douglas and Frances
Grimes (a distant cousin), who assisted her during the past year with her medical care. Georgenna Jones, Etna Polen, and Christine Massey prepared daily meals for her when she was no longer able to. Dorothea especially enjoyed sitting outdoors in the sun with Marquita Wilchcombe and her son Orion.

Sister Massey, during the last three weeks of her in-home hospice care, spear-headed the scheduling of around-the-clock shifts. She checked on her daily, and participated in her care with prayers, encouragement, and ensuring her comfort. Frances Grimes, Shirley Douglas, and Gloria Walker, along with many others of the Women of Faith, worked together helping with caring for Dorothea. Lataya Lewis, shortly after her mother transitioned, along with Grandma Gigi, turned their attention towards Dorothea, with massages and loving words of encouragement. Lataya even did an overnight shift.

Special thanks to Dorothea’s sister-in-law, Penny Donley, who participated in her care between her full time volunteer responsibilities and was with Dorothea when she transitioned. We cannot list every name, but we thank all the Women of Faith, who participated in her care. Dorothea often expressed her appreciation for the love she felt. Special thanks to Michelle Wooten for the many shift hours she put in caring for Dorothea, leading many songs Dorothea loved and for how beautiful Dorothea looks today!

Dorothea enjoyed life and had many cousins, with whom she looked forward to seeing and sharing the gospel. She was especially close to her Aunt Sandy and Uncle George Richardson, and loved her cousin, LaTasha. Her life was instrumental in Sandy and George getting saved.

Dorothea is predeceased by her birth parents, Janet Van Alstyne and Harry Charles Coleman; her husband, Sidney Carraway; her mother, Betty Goldston; and her aunt, Sandra Richardson.

She is survived by her brother, Lawrence (Susan) Van Alstyne; her sister, Althea Coleman; her uncle, Malcolm VanAlstyne; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to Dorothea’s viewing on Monday, June 24, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to noon followed by the Homegoing Celebration which will begin at noon both being held at the Redemption Church of Christ, 1511 6th Avenue, Watervliet, New York 12189.

Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, 186 Oakwood Avenue, Troy, New York.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Redemption Christian Academy where she faithfully and lovingly volunteered most of her adult life. Go to: www.redemptionchristianacademy.org/donations or you may mail your contribution to: Redemption Christian Academy, 192 9th Street, Troy, New York, in memory of Dorothea Carraway.

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Funeral arrangemetns have been entrusted to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Ave, Troy, NY 12182. Phone (518) 235-0952