Carolyn Manigault-Samuel was born on August 1, 1954, in Greeleyville, South Carolina, the youngest of 13 children. After her mother passed away, she and several of her sisters moved to New York to live with their older sister, Helen.

Carolyn completed high school in New York and later attended Staten Island College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. During college, she found joy and expression in African dance and cultivated lifelong friendships that remained close to her heart. She welcomed her first son, Shawn Manigault, into the world during this time. Carolyn also opened her heart and home to Michelle Feldra and Dominique Feldra, raising them as her daughters.

Later in life, Carolyn relocated to Virginia with her twin brother, Carol Manigault. There, she gave birth to her second son, JaQuahn Manigault-Jefferson, and began a long, impactful career devoted to serving individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. For 25 years, she worked at Eggleston Services, where she advanced from Production Manager of the Industrial Laundry Department to Vice President of Operations. Even after retirement, Carolyn remained committed to helping others—working at Xooma Worldwide to promote natural wellness solutions.

Faith was central to Carolyn's life. A proud and devoted member of New Union Chapel A.M.E. Church in Norfolk, Virginia, she served for 38 years in various capacities—including steward, missionary, chairperson of the scholarship committee, and Youth Department Director for over 15 years. She was also active in the larger A.M.E. church community at the connectional level.

Carolyn's dedication to disability advocacy extended beyond the United States. She traveled to Tanzania, Africa, where she helped establish a home for children with physical disabilities. She trained and hired local staff, introduced innovative care techniques, and later served on the organization's board of directors, continuing her support from afar.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Lacey Manigault Sr. and Claudius Manigault, and siblings Helen Pasley, Julia Canty, George Manigault, Robert Manigault, Gwendolyn Manigault, Linda Claggion, Lacey Manigault, and Victoria Adams.

She is survived by her sons, Shawn George Manigault and JaQuahn Manigault-Jefferson; granddaughters Sydnei Jones, Nylah Bembry, and Destinee Manigault; husband, Jerome Samuel; and her siblings Janice Manigault and Carol Manigault. Carolyn leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family, including Stephanie Claggion, Steven Claggion (Zoe and Ella Claggion), Michelle Feldra (Gregory Garvin and Amaran Perez), Dominique Feldra (Marvin Dale and Davon Colbert), Synquette Canty, Kim Hoeldtke, Chantel Manigault, and Shakyra Winn. She is survived by her godson, Kenneth Harris, and cherished lifelong friends: Deborah Moody, Madeleine Joseph, Vanessa Harris, Cassandra Seaward, Sarina Lacy, Barbra Watford, and many others.

Carolyn Manigault lived a life marked by compassion, service, and love—a legacy that will continue through the many lives she touched.

A funeral service will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, May 3, 2025 at  New Union Chapel AME Church, 1200 Saint Julian Avenue, Norfolk, Va.