Carroll, Sterlyn Bernard (87) of Washington, D.C.

Sterlyn Bernard Carroll was born on April 29, 1924 in Crossroads, Maryland (Nanjemoy). Sterlyn was eight of ten children born to Carlton Ulysses and Minnie Estelle Price Carroll. He was born a twin, unfortunately his brother Sherman passed away at birth. Sterlyn was truly one of God's special gifts. On February 24, 2012, Sterlyn departed this life peacefully, in the presence of God.

Sterlyn attended public schools in Charles County, Maryland. Because he was a high achiever and knew the importance of a good education, he continually sought knowledge and education throughout his life. He attended Morgan State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He also studied Business Law at American University; Real Estate Law and Principles at Catholic University; Monetary Economics at Federal City College and Public Speaking and Human Relations at the Dale Carnegie Institute.

He served in the United States Armed Forces from 1943 to 1946. He was a T/Sgt. during the Pacific /Guadalcanal Campaign. He received an honorable discharge after five Campaigns, and three Battle Stars.


He was married to the late Edna Elizabeth Clark Carroll. Throughout their lives they opened their home to everyone. They had a strong commitment and dedication to family, friends, church members, co-workers, and strangers, always willing to lend a helping hand. He exemplified God's love in Christian life.


Sterlyn found Christ early in life. His faith was unwavering. He attended Mount Hope Baptist Church as a child. Later, a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, he taught Sunday school and was Chairman of the Deacon Board. Sterlyn subsequently joined Fort Foote Baptist Church where he remained a member until the time of his passing. While at Fort Foote Baptist Church, he served as a Deacon and received emeritus status. In 2009, he moved to Michigan with his daughter Patricia and her husband, Raymond, while there he attended Hope Baptist Church.


He was employed as an Executive Staff Member at the U. S. House of Representatives Committee of Public Works and Transportation from 1956 to 1994. He was also a Realtor Associate from 1960 to 2006, licensed in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

Sterlyn was committed to giving back to the community. He was Founder and Director of the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation (AEDC); Founder and Director of Minority Enterprises Small Business Investment Company (MESBIC); President of the Garfield-Douglas Heights Civic Association; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bethlehem Baptist Church; and Chairman of the Deacon Board Bethlehem Baptist Church. He was a member of the D.C. City Council, Washington Urban League and the NAACP, as well as numerous other organizations.


Not only was he committed to giving back to the community; he was also committed to living life to its fullest. His many interest included piloting small planes, swimming, photography, radio electronics, electrical and mechanical engineering, touring museums, musical plays, long walks around the neighborhood and most of all being a husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend to the many people he loved and who loved him.


His children were blessed with a father that unselfishly loved them, showed them strength, character, compassion and respect. He had a kind gentle soul and a strong commitment to each of them. He always had a warm smile, an encouraging word and even though he had a busy schedule, he took the time to talk, listen and just be there for them. He leaves a legacy that is duplicated in the lives of the many that knew and loved him.


Sterlyn is survived by his three sons, Leslie, Achilles and Hendricks Carroll; two daughters, Patricia Burkett and Gwendolyn Carroll; two daughters in-law, Daborah and Sheliah Carroll; one son in-law, Raymond R. Burkett; 10 grandchildren, Leslie II, Lacey, Angela, Alexis, Julius, Monica, Aaron, Sterlyn K., Justin and Debbie; two sisters, Almyra Mays and Ruby Warfield; and a host of relatives and friends.

Viewing, 6-9pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012 in the Chapel at Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640 and on Friday, March 2, 2012 at Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744 from 10am until time of Service, 11am. Interment, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland.