Carol St.John

In Loving Memory of Carol St. John September 9, 1938 – January 8, 2026 With profound love and deep sorrow, we celebrate the life of Carol St. John, a devoted matriarch, caregiver, and pillar of strength whose love shaped generations. Carol was more than a cousin—she was a mother, a grandmother, an auntie, friend , a protector, and a guiding light to all who were blessed to know her. Carol St. John was born on September 9, 1938, at Queens General Hospital in Queens, New York, to Julia Miller and Robert Lakins, both of whom preceded her in death. Carol graduated from Queens Vocational High School for Girls on June 22, 1956, where she studied Pre-Nursing and Laboratory Techniques. The very next day, on June 23, 1956, she married the love of her life, Thomas St. John who proceeded her in death . Together they raised two sons, Marvin St. John and Jeffrey St. John, both of whom preceded her in death. Despite enduring unimaginable loss, Carol remained steadfast, faithful, and full of love. Carol was also preceded in death by her seven siblings: Sarah, Maude, Margaret, Adrenna, John, Clifford, and Theodore. For over two decades, Carol proudly served the New York City Department of Sanitation as a Supervisor Clerical Associate, overseeing payroll. She was admired and respected by staff for her sharp wit, warm sense of humor, and firm insistence on accuracy, punctuality, and accountability. Carol was kind —but she took no nonsense, especially when it came to time sheets and attendance. In her younger years, Carol loved dressing beautifully, attending parties, and dancing—especially her favorite, the Electric Slide. She was an avid knitter, and even taught her younger cousin Karima to knit. She gave many family members lovingly handmade blankets. Carol was also an avid reader and she shared books with her late cousin Shirley . Carol also was a great card game player, spades and bid wisk were her favorite card games. Carol had an extraordinary patience and love for children. She cared for Kiera , Asia, Khalilah, Karima, Kyle-Khayri, Samir, Nia, Amira, Arisa, Al, Desiree, and Hakim, treating each child as her own. Carol fried chicken for them which was one of her best dishes .Andrea, Wandra and Kaaba would go to work, run errands, or go and hang out knowing the children were safe, fed, and deeply loved under Carol’s watchful care. On September 11, 2001, during one of the nation’s darkest moments, Carol opened her home without hesitation. Kaaba and her four children sought refuge just three blocks away, climbing into Carol’s bed and staying overnight. Carol had cable television when many did not, cooked some food and made everyone feel safe, loved, and at home. As Carol slowed down in her later years, she found comfort in watching westerns, classic films on the Turner channel, and her beloved game shows. She looked forward each year to receiving beautiful flower arrangements on Mother’s Day, her birthday, and Christmas from her granddaughter Kiera and daughter-in-law Andrea. She also cherished car rides with her best friend Leslie, especially trips to the park and to the Dollar Tree, where she enjoyed shopping . Carol was a very neat person. She wanted everything in her home clean and in working order. Junie was her “fixer”. Junie repaired everything in Carols home from the front to the back to the basement . They had a lot in common their birthdays were one day apart from each other, and Junie enjoyed watching Western movies with her and game shows. Before sharing something important, Carol would often announce, “I GOT NEWS FOR YOU,” and when life didn’t go as planned, she would simply say, “SUCH IS LIFE.” These phrases live on in the hearts of those who loved her. A woman of deep faith, Carol accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior many years ago. She thanked God daily and lived with unwavering trust, even after losing both of her parents, husband , siblings, and sons. Her strength, faith, and perseverance were nothing short of remarkable. On the final night of her life, Carol was lovingly cared for by Kaaba, Junie, and Leslie, who gently put her to bed. Kaaba anointed Carol with oil . Junie and Kaaba prayed for her to have a peaceful, rest. Carol softly said, “Thank you for all your help and tell your husband I said Thank you for all of his help” Junie responded it’s ok Carol, I love you. Kaaba kissed her goodnight, Carol turned over, and she went to sleep. Carol St. John transitioned peacefully in her bed, in her sleep, on January 8, 2026, and went home to be with the Lord. Carol leaves behind Kaaba, who was like a daughter to her, a devoted care giver as well as her cousin , Junie who was a like a son devoted to assisting carol with anything she needed , her beloved granddaughter Kiera; her loving daughter-in-law Andrea; her best friend and caregiver Leslie Leisure; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who will forever carry her love in their hearts Carol St. John’s legacy is one of unwavering love, quiet strength, faith, laughter, and selfless devotion. She was the heart of the family—and that heart will continue to beat in all of us. “Such is life’—but what a beautiful life she lived. A Funeral service will be offered at 9:15 AM on Saturday at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc. located at 28 Eltingville Blvd Staten Island, New York 10312. Interment will follow in Rockville Cemetery, 45 Merrick Road Lynbrook, NY 11563. The family will receive friends from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York.

Carol St.John

September 9, 1938 - January 8, 2026