Obituary of Carolyn P. Harvin

Carolyn “Carol” P. Harvin, 67, of Troy, beloved wife of the late Roy P. Harvin, Jr., to whom she was married for 42 years, unexpectedly entered into eternal life on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Born on January 23, 1958 and raised in Troy, NY, Carol was the daughter of the late Reverend Jake Small and the late Elizabeth Gamble Small. On December 3, 1975, in Troy, Carol was united in holy matrimony to her husband Roy. To that marriage was born one child, a daughter Natasha, whom Carol called Mona. 

Carol had a radiant spirit, a generous heart, and a bold sense of style — she loved to wear red, her favorite color, and carried herself with confidence and joy. She was independent, fun-loving, and known for her signature hospitality. Carol was affectionately known to many as “Carol,” but her most cherished titles were “Ma”, “Mama”, “Sister”, and “Friend”. Her joy came from spoiling her grandkids, feeding everyone she could, and putting the needs of others before her own. Carol enjoyed country music and travelling with her family to Hawaii, Orlando, Miami, Houston, New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, St. Louis, Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, among other places. In addition, Carol loved to cook, especially for others. She was known for her barbecue turkey, baked ziti, and pasta salad. She also shared a deep bond with her beloved dog Miss Sallie, who predeceased her. 

Carol attended Troy City Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Troy High School.  She continued her education at Hudson Valley Community College, SUNY Empire State University, and Cornell University Graduate School, NYS School of Labor Relations.  The majority of her studies focused on labor and employment laws.  

Carol began her dedicated career in public service in 1977. During her 43 years of service, she was employed with several New York State agencies, including Department of Labor, Office for the Aging, Department of Motor Vehicles, Workers’ Compensation Board and Office of Information Technology Services where she retired from in 2020.     

Carol was a lifelong member of the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and rose through the union’s ranks, serving as a Grievance Steward, Secretary, Vice President, and eventually President—a position in which she was the first person of color, and she held with pride and purpose for 28 years, which was the longest time held by any President. Carol was later promoted to the Public Employees Federation (PEF) and served as Secretary.  She won every election she entered, a testament to the trust and admiration of her peers.  Carol’s other union activities include: Certified Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator; American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU); American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME); and Troy Area Labor Council (TALC). She was also presently an administrative member of CSEA, and proud member and Sergeant-at-Arms of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)—so devoted, that she attended the national convention every year, turning it into an annual family trip. She brought along her husband, daughter, granddaughters, and her granddaughter's close friends.  The next trip was scheduled for May 2025.

Faith and community were central to Carol’s life.  She was a devoted member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Troy where she currently worshipped and served faithfully, and held various positions, such as, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, Reverend Charles U. Barber Sr., Sunday School Superintendent, and President of the Ushers’ Ministry, among others.  Her spiritual journey began at St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church where her father, the Reverend Jake Small, ministered to our community, and she never stopped learning — taking many classes at the Christian Leadership School. Carol was also active in the Hudson River Frontier Missionary Baptist Association.  She held several positions, including, but not limited to, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, President of the Women’s Ministry, President and Financial Secretary of the Ushers’ and Nurses Ministry, and Area 4 Vice President of NYS Empire Baptist Missionary State Convention Ushers’ and Nurses’ Auxiliary. 

Carol served her faith and neighbors alike.  Deeply rooted in her hometown of Troy, Carol dedicated herself to civic engagement. She served on the Troy Zoning Board, and the Troy City School District Board of Education where she served as Vice President, Parliamentarian, and Chairperson of the Diversity and Finance Committees.  Carol was President of both Veterans of Foreign Wars 8758 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 729, and was an active member of over 46 years in the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons and Order of the Eastern Star.  As an Eastern Star, Carol was formerly the Worthy Matron of the Sisters of Ruth Chapter #293 of Troy, former District Queen Bathsheba District #7, a 32nd Degree Member, and actively involved in other degrees. Carol was a member of the NAACP, Elmwood Hill Cemetery Association, Troy Public Library, Rensselaer County Committee, and Democratic Committee of the City of Troy, and even ran for Troy City Council (District #6), driven by a passion to uplift her community.  Carol was also involved in countless local and state organizations — including the C.R.A.B. Club, the Lansingburgh Aeries 3773 Auxiliary, the Troy Area United Ministries, the American Legion, the NYS Police Investigators Association, and the Elks Lodges of Watervliet-Colonie and Clifton Park.  Carol was an enthusiastic bowler for many years in the Topperettes League, and enjoyed volunteering at the Polish American Club in South Troy where she formerly served as Sergeant-at-Arms and continued to bring laughter and warmth to every event. In everything she did, Carol showed up with strength, purpose, and love.

Carol is the devoted mother of Natasha Monique “Mona” Harvin, Esq.; cherished grandmother of Skyler Elizabeth “Liz” Harrington, Autumn Je’Zelle “Jazz” Locklear, and Jaxsyn Royale “Joy” Locklear; dear sister of Angelina (John) Moore, the late Dr. Zella Small (David Kennedy), Theresa (Albert) Blankenship, the late Kathleen Small-Lopez, Jake Small, the late Jeanne Small-Fish (John Fish), and the late Benjamin Small; and the daughter-in-law of the late Roy and Helen Harvin.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Jerry Harvin; sister-in-law, Rhonda Small; goddaughter, Samara Hasberry; godson, Michael Ford; and her spiritual mothers, all of whom held a special place in her heart.  She was surrounded by a big, beautiful family — a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends who became family over time. Carol now joins her loving husband, Roy P. Harvin Jr., in eternal rest.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by Carol’s Home Going Service at 12:00 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2900 Fifth Ave., Troy.  Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Albany. The Reverend Charles U. Barber Sr., Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Troy, will officiate. 

Following the interment, the family invites relatives and friends to join them for the Repass at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, to continue celebrating Carol’s life and legacy.  Carol will be truly missed.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue (at the corner of 115^th Street in Lansingburgh), Troy, NY 12182. 

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