Carmen Lovell's Obituary
Born December 30, 1938 in Guadeloupe, Panama. Carmen an only child of the late Lloyd Forth and Bernada Perez. Bernada the oldest of 9 would raise her brothers and sisters, and as a result Carmen would spend most of her time in the care of her grandmother Mercedes. Carmen would later name her only daughter after her grandmother.
Carmen met and married Sidney Alphonse Lovell who had joined the US Army. They married October 29, 1966. She would leave Panama to move to New York while her husband served in Vietnam. In New York she would stay with her father's sisters and brothers in Brooklyn, NY. Later moving to Washington DC when Sidney left the Army and joined the National Guard. Two children born of this union Lena Mercedes Lovell and Luis Alphonse Lovell.
Carmen would reinvent herself in this new place. She completed nursing school at the then Martha Washington Nursing School. She would go on to work at Howard University until she retired in 2004.
Her family would be her focus in retirement. She moved to Georgia with her son Luis. Georgia is where her daughter Lena and children called home.
Mrs Lovell, Ms Carmen, Luvie….the names differed she didn't…she was constant. Our constant, unyielding in her love for her family.
Growing up she would always say to us "I'll go with you as far as you want to go" She was small in stature but big in heart. As many called to express their condolences I was reminded of how her quiet spirit touched them. She always listened never quick to speak, never interjecting. Sometimes offering a kind word often just a smile.
I often thought and said "I don't know where she got my brother and I from". She was so quiet sometimes people wondered if she even spoke English. Her love for her family fierce, determined, and inspiring, she constantly pushed through this life's obstacles never wavering. With her head held high, she didn't complain, you'd not know anything was amiss.
I am reminded and couldn't help but speak to the symbolism behind this 9 month journey. Nine months to be born anew. A new angel to watch over us. Still our constant going with us as far as we want to go. Our Reina, our Luela, our Grandma, our Mommy, our Angel.
Carmen is preceded in death by her late husband Sidney A. Lovell (1/21/07), and leaves to mourn her, her eldest Lena M. Lovell, her son Luis A. Lovell, her Grandchildren Joseph Lovell, Nicholas A. Lovell and Alena Jade Williamson, as well as family in Panama, New York and Florida.
What’s your fondest memory of Carmen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carmen?
Share a story where Carmen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carmen you’ll never forget.
How did Carmen make you smile?