Carol Shade

Carol Ann Shade, affectionately known as “Mother Shade,” transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 85. Carol was born on July 25, 1940, in Yonkers, New York, to the late Fred and Bertha Dessesaure. She is lovingly survived by her devoted sons: Daniel (Jacqueline) Shade Jr., James (Renee) Shade, Russell (Vera) Shade Sr., Leon (Beverley) Shade Sr., Gregory Shade Sr., and Deran Shade. She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved siblings: Gertrude Jones (her husband, Robert Jones Sr., predeceased); Fred Dessesaure (Nancy); Marie Evans (her husband, John Evans Sr., predeceased); James Dessesaure (Barbara); Florence Dessesaure-Hubbard (her husband, Mark Hubbard, predeceased); and Kathy Cromwell (Floyd); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, her church family, and a loving community. Carol was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Daniel Lee Shade Sr.; her beloved sons, Derrick Shade Sr. and William Shade Sr.; and her beloved grandsons, Jamal Shade and Gregory Shade Jr.

In October 1957, Carol was united in holy matrimony to Daniel Lee Shade Sr., also known as “Duke.” Carol and Duke were married for 35 years. Together they built a life of love, which resulted in eight sons, 32 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Carol received her education through the Yonkers Public School System. She was employed at the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, NY, for eight years before relocating to Bethlehem, PA. She later continued her career with Jefferson Elementary School as a Teacher’s Aide, Aetna Healthcare as a Receptionist and Customer Service Representative, followed by her role as an Employment Specialist with AARP until retirement.

Carol was an amazing woman of God who loved and served the Lord diligently, demonstrating unwavering faith and love throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Yonkers, NY, before moving to Bethlehem, PA, where she became a member of Second Baptist Church in 1994 under the leadership of Pastor Edward A. Thompson. While at Second Baptist, Carol served faithfully as a member of the Usher Board, Senior Choir, Restored Sound Ministry, and Pastor’s Aide. In 1997, she was installed by Pastor Edward Thompson as Chairperson of the Pastor’s Aide, serving with excellence and dedication. Throughout her years at Second Baptist, Carol became affectionately known as “Mother Shade,” a mother to all and a pillar of the church who provided unbiased guidance, love, and steadfast faith.

Carol had a deep love for people, food, joy, and laughter. If you slipped her a piece of chocolate, she would love you forever. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who also made room in her heart for her church family, whom she loved dearly. She leaves behind a rich legacy through the many lives she touched and those who loved her dearly. Carol’s life was a testament to endurance, family, and love, and she will forever remain in our hearts. 

The family of Carol Ann Shade wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Holy Family Manor and St. Luke’s University Health Network—especially the critical care nurses, doctors, and caregivers—who provided excellent care and compassionate attention to Carol and her family.