Carole Best

Mother Carole L. Carter- Best was born on January 17, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late William and Arie Carter. She was educated in the Brooklyn Public School System and later pursued college coursework that complemented her professional aspirations.

On October 13, 1968, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Mr. Cleveland E. Best, in Queens, New York. Shortly after their marriage, the couple relocated to Yonkers, New York, where they became part of the founding membership of Pressley Temple Church of God in Christ under the visionary leadership of Superintendent Jenkins W. Pressley. As members of the original core congregation, the Best family played an instrumental role in securing the church’s permanent home at 38 Warburton Avenue during the early 1970s.

Mother Best faithfully served the ministry for more than five decades. Following the passing of Superintendent Pressley, the church was led by Dr. Willie Lee Brown, who renamed it Pressley Memorial Church of God in Christ. After Dr. Brown’s tenure, she continued her faithful service under the leadership of Pastor Cecilio Edwards until the Lord called her home.

A devoted servant of God, Mother Best never sought recognition but faithfully accepted every opportunity to serve. Her ministry was marked by humility, excellence, and unwavering commitment. She served in numerous capacities throughout the years, including Choir Member and later Choir Director, Church Secretary, Trustee Board Member, Home and Foreign Missions worker alongside Mother Susie Pressley, Administrative Assistant to Supervisor Emeritus Mother Vera E. Brown, member of the Mother’s Board, and President of the Women’s Department.

In 2018, she answered yet another call to ministry when she received her license as an Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ, further affirming her lifelong dedication to spreading the Gospel and serving God’s people.

Mother Best’s commitment extended beyond the local church. She faithfully served on the Jurisdictional level under the leadership of Bishop F. D. Washington, Bishop David Grayson, and Bishop John P. Lee, Sr. She served as Adjutant to Supervisor Emeritus Mother Vera E. Brown and worked diligently with the Business and Professional Women’s Department and the Holy Communion Committee.

Her dedication also reached the National Church. In 1995, Presiding Bishop Chandler D. Owens appointed Mother Best to the National Security Task Force, where she faithfully served as Security Adjutant to First Lady Owens—an appointment that reflected the confidence and trust placed in her leadership, professionalism, and integrity.

When it became increasingly difficult for Mother Best to travel to Yonkers, Pastor Cecilio Edwards, with great love and concern for her safety, recommended that she come under Watch Care with Overseer Patricia Flood in the Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Eastern New York under the leadership of Bishop Rothel Highsmith. She later continued under Watch Care at Living Cornerstone Ministries with Pastor James Wallace. Though distance prevented her from physically attending Pressley Memorial, her heart never left the ministry. She faithfully participated in the church’s daily 6:00 a.m. prayer, Thursday evening Bible Study, and Sunday morning worship services via Zoom, remaining actively connected to her beloved church family.

Professionally, Mother Best enjoyed an exemplary career with the Westchester County Department of Corrections. During her 26 years of distinguished service, she advanced through the ranks from Correction Officer to Sergeant and ultimately Captain. By the time of her retirement in 1997, she was under consideration for the position of Warden, a remarkable achievement that reflected her exceptional leadership, integrity, and unwavering work ethic. She earned the admiration and respect of colleagues throughout the department and left behind a legacy of excellence in public service.

Retirement allowed Mother Best to enjoy many of life’s greatest blessings. She loved traveling throughout the United States and abroad, visiting countries and islands while embracing new cultures and experiences. Yet wherever her travels took her, worship remained a priority. She delighted in fellowshipping with believers, spending precious time with family, and continually giving God praise for His goodness.

Throughout the last several years of her life, Mother Best faced significant health challenges with remarkable courage and unwavering faith. Though her physical strength diminished, her confidence in God never faltered. She remained steadfast in prayer, committed to fellowship, and looked forward to attending Church of God in Christ conventions whenever her health permitted. Her quiet strength, grace, and enduring faith became a testimony that inspired everyone blessed to know her.

As her health declined, Mother Best was hospitalized on May 12, 2026, and later transferred to Middletown Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, where she received compassionate care during the final weeks of her earthly journey.

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:18 a.m., surrounded by the love of God and the prayers of those who cherished her, Mother Carole L. Best peacefully answered the Master’s call and entered into eternal rest.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted son, Keith Grant (Jeanette) of Monroe, New York; her beloved daughter, Crystal M. Cutler of Williamsburg, Virginia; her stepson, Brian Best (Aurelia) of Dale City, Virginia; her cherished grandchildren, Calvin Cutler, Whitney Grant-Brown (Cardell), Malcolm Grant, Katherine Best, Malik Grant, and Niarie Grant (Robert); and her adored great-grandchildren, Blake King, Leilani Brown, and Indigo Spruill.

She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Velma Brockett of Virginia, Marion Greene of Queens, New York, and Sherry Carter of Tampa, Florida; her sisters-in-law, Dana Carter, Rosella Best Woody, Celestine Best Torain, Vera Best, Cassandra Best Borden, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, treasured friends, and her beloved church family.

Mother Best was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cleveland E. Best; her parents, William and Arie Carter; her sisters, Ana Mae Gibbs and Arie Jones Carter; her brothers, Howard Carter, Irving Carter, and Tyrone Carter; and her brother-in-law, Carl Brockett.

Mother Carole L. Best leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured merely by years, titles, or accomplishments. Her life was defined by unwavering faith, selfless service, steadfast leadership, quiet strength, and unconditional love. She faithfully served God, loved her family, strengthened her church, and touched countless lives through her compassion, wisdom, and humble spirit.

Though her earthly voice has been silenced, her testimony continues to speak. Her labor was not in vain, and her legacy will forever live in the hearts of those who were privileged to know, love, and serve alongside her. Well done, good and faithful servant.