Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Sister Williemena Beckwith Carroll, affectionately known as “Bill,” was born on October 10, 1941, in Gilbert, LA, to the late Willie Beckwith and Allean Bass-Beckwith. Bill confessed Christ at an early age, under the leadership of Rev. R.N. Teats at Cuba Baptist Church. She attended Cuba Elementary School, Franklin Parish Training School, and Southern University. Bill soon realized her passion for beauty and attended Cloyd’s Beauty School, where she later worked as a local hairdresser. After years in beauty, she began working in retail with her late husband, Reginal L. Carroll. Eventually, she changed careers and moved to St. Francis Hospital, where she worked for over 30 years as a nurse’s aide until her retirement. Bill’s love for helping others extended to her post-retirement work as a direct support professional for over 20 years. Sister Carroll joined the Order of the Eastern Star, Morning Star Chapter, on December 4, 1996. Williemena married the late Reginal L. Carroll on June 26, 1964, and shared two children, Sharonda Gail Carroll-Highshaw and Reginal Pernell Carroll. Sister Carroll was an avid New Orleans Saints fan, dedicated church member, loving parent, sister, and friend. Sister Carroll faithfully and proudly served as an usher until her heavenly transition. Williemena passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, August 6, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Beckwith and Allean Bass-Beckwith, two brothers, Eugene Beckwith and Odell “Pee-Wee” Beckwith, one sister, Lollie Ann Harvey, and one great-granddaughter, Nia N. Prosser. She leaves to cherish her memory: two children, Sharonda Highshaw (Kelvin) and Reginal Carroll; 4 grandchildren - Dr. Avius Carroll, Reginald Carroll, Kelvin Highshaw, Jr., and Kylon Highshaw; 5 great-grandchildren - Quinton Carroll, Aiden Highshaw, Avery Carroll, Skylar Highshaw, and Kasen Carroll; three sisters - Lois Bennett (Robert) Baton Rouge, LA, Diann Beckwith, Monroe, LA, and Debra Brown (Dave) Monroe, LA; three brothers - Carl Beckwith (Sharon), Darry Beckwith (Sandra), and Larry Beckwith, Baton Rouge, LA; a devoted caretaker, Mrs. Barbara Sue Burrell, and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services are Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 12:00 PM at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 201 S. 9th St. in West Monroe, LA. Services entrusted by Beckwith's Golden Gate Funeral Home, 1318 W. Green St., Tallulah, LA. No wake services will be held.