Mary J. Carlton, 95, of Akron, OH passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025 in Hilliard, OH.

She was born in Midway, AL. She was the daughter of James and Lelabelle Lewis Davis, and the beloved sister of Willie, Freddie, and James. She also lived in Florida before settling in Akron, where she built a life filled with love, faith and hard work.

She was previously married to Willie H. Carlton. She was a devoted mother & she raised three children, Charles (deceased), Geneva, & Verdell. Mary worked for many years at A. Polsky’s, Sterling, and Yeager’s Department Stores in Akron, retiring at age 62.

She was a faithful member of Antioch Baptist Church in Akron, where she sang joyfully in the choir as both a Soprano and Second Soprano; she also served as the choir secretary. She was a lover of jazz & blues and her warm spirit and joyful presence touched everyone who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory: daughters, Geneva Carlton, Tuscon, AZ, Verdell Macarthy (devoted & loving caregiver) Columbus, OH, grandchildren, Gerell Elie (Troshounda) Gulf Breeze, FL, Jenacia Macarthy, and Cordell (LaTisha) Macarthy Columbus, OH; great-grandchildren, Trevell, Jeshaun, Jenae, Jenaiya, Jenea, and Lalia; son-in-law, John Macarthy and honorary son, Carter Womack & a host of other family & friends.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Nephew & niece, Willie & Francine Davis & friend, Lillian Peake (Akron caregivers) (Truman Point Care Center, Bella Hospice (Hilliard, OH) and Sommerville Funeral Services for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow.