RALEIGH CARLTON's Obituary
Raleigh was born March 2, 1955, in the city of Claxton, Georgia to the late Tully and Bessie Carlton.
In 1967,the family relocated to Newark, New Jersey where Raleigh received his formal education.
He graduated from South Side high school (now Malcolm X Shabazz) in 1973 and briefly attended
Rutgers University before starting his professional career. Raleigh worked in construction before
joining Benjamin Moore Paint company as a foreman.
In 1983 he married Yolanda Daniels, and to this union were born two children - Rashad and
Ralonda.Raleigh was a strong man of steadfast faith who had a genuine love for God. He taught
Sunday school and was ordained as a deacon in 2001 at Solid Rock Baptist church. He was a charter member of Jehovah Jireh Praise & Worship Church Center and later united with Abundant
Life Family Worship Church. Raleigh was blessed to survive 24 years post a heart transplant and
lived life to the fullest, traveling with his family and doting on his beloved granddaughters. He
remained optimistic and strong in his faith in his last illness, despite how things looked. Raleigh was
known for his kindness and ability to connect with everyone. He enjoyed spending time with his
family and grandchildren, and was always the first to celebrate their successes and
accomplishments. He was an avid fan of all sports, especially his beloved Raiders.
Raleigh entered his eternal rest on January 25, 2025. Raleigh leaves to cherish his memory his best
friend and beloved wife of 41 years, Yolanda Gail Carlton; 2 children Rashad Carlton (Claudia) and
Ralonda Johnson (Joseph); his siblings, brothers Rudy (Linda), Ruben (Sandra), Richard, Wallace
Tillman(Melinda), and Anthony Gerald Ray (Bessie), sisters Shelia (Carlton Howington), Rounette
(Maurice Stuckey), and Yvette Boone; 5 granddaughters (Reina, Faith and Grace Carlton, Raven
and Riley Johnson); 2 god daughters; a god son; and a host of nieces, nephews, and special
life long friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Tully and Bessie Carlton, sister Renee
Carlton, and brother Ricky Carlton.
Acknowledgements
The Family of Raleigh Carlton, extends their heartfelt thanks for your prayers, phone calls, text
messages, Facebook messages and words of comfort during the sudden passing of our loved one.
Please know, your acts of love and kindness have been a true blessing to our family. We would like
to sincerely thank you.
Poem To My Grandchildren
I won’t be far away, for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you get old and come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home..”
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