Mrs. Carolyn Ganaway-Hinnant
Carolyn Loretta Ganaway-Hinnant, born August 17, 1944, in New York City, passed away on February 10, 2026, in Lexington, South Carolina.
Carolyn was the beloved daughter of the late Fred and Rachel “Mama Rae” Islar. Raised in Harlem, she attended Junior High School 136 and later Central Commercial High School in Manhattan, where her strong work ethic and independent spirit began to take shape.
In 1973, Carolyn began her dream job at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons. Working there for 25 years, she made many lasting friendships and memories. After retirement, Carolyn moved to South Carolina with her husband, Theron “Ty” Hinnant, who preceded her in death in August 2002. Together, they built a life rooted in love and commitment.
Carolyn carried her New York roots with pride — resilient, spirited, and full of personality. She was known for her fiery nature and her sharp, unforgettable sense of humor and love for her two Pug dogs, “Georgia & Muffy.” She had a passion for bowling; long drives to visit family and friends in New York City; traveling – especially on cruises; a good game of Spades and of course her favorite drink – “Scotch with Milk.” Carolyn spoke her mind, stood her ground, and loved deeply. Those who knew her understood that her strength and laughter were two sides of the same beautiful coin.
Carolyn was a devoted mother to her daughter, Arlise Ellis (son-in-love Norman), and her son, Aaron Ganaway (daughter-in-love Hillary). She was a proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren: Parker, Sydni, Sean, Reese, Jaylin, and Helena, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. Carolyn’s love also extended far beyond bloodlines, embracing Marc Copeland, Yolanda Evelyn, Eric Frazier and Janel Mixon, offering them the same guidance, protection, and unconditional love. Carolyn was preceded in death by her lovely step-daughter Mia Jones.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Carolyn is survived by her sister-in-love, Emma G. Moore (Virginia Beach, Va); cherished sister/brother friends, Maxine Mixon (Columbia, SC), Michelle Jackson (Fredericksburg, VA), Arthuree Evans (McDonough, GA), and Samuel Frazier (Queens, NY); as well as numerous cousins and dear friends, whose lives she touched in meaningful ways.
Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter, loyalty, and enduring love that will continue through all who knew and loved her.
A private cremation will take place at Leevy Funeral Home in South Carolina. The family will hold a celebration of her life at a later date in New York City.
Carolyn will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
To my cousin and babysitter, Rest Well Carolyn, when I think of you I think about Foxxy Brown, the afro, big earrings etc.. Love you cuz, WE didn’t get a chance to bowl or played spares, as sharp as our tongue and thoughts that would have been exciting. Tell the family I said I miss them all
Mama Rae,
use to make a special call-whistle out the window to let Ronnie knowthat it was time to come in and stop playing, while living in the South Bronx.
Mama Carol,
Use to provide my Brother and I, food and entertainment, when we visited Ronnie & Arlise.
The Ganaway Family, also showed my family love, Carol will be greatly missed. Today, my mother shared memories from the 70’s, of spending time with Carol in the Bronx and in South Carolina.
RIP Carol.
My deepest condolences and sympathy go out to my cousins Arlise and Ronnie. I will miss cousin Carolyn and her love for us all. Rest well cuz and give our love to those who were waiting in heaven for you.
Our hearts are heavy for your loved ones who have given such a proper tribute to your life and described the beautiful soul you once carried amongst us so well. We send our condolences from The Chris Elledge Agency to all of your family across the many places that you have traveled. Mrs. Carolyn Ganaway-Hinnant, you will truly be missed. We will always remember the light you carried within.
My sincerest condolences to the Ganaway Family. Carolyn had such a strong will and zest for life. She was a strong presence in all our lives. She loved her family so much and she lived for them! She was always there for her family and friends. I valued so much the shared decades of friendship we enjoyed. I could always count on Carolyn’s guidance and friendship. I loved Carolyn, and I miss her. God bless Carolyn and her family.
I have known your beautiful mother since I was a teenager, and she was always so very kind to me. It was truly a pleasure to reconnect with her recently through Facebook. She loved engaging in conversation, and I cherished those moments.
I am sending all of you my love and deepest condolences. The loss of a beloved mother is incredibly hard. Please give yourselves the time and space to grieve, and try to hold on to one happy memory each day. Let yourself smile at that thought. It can help carry you through the day.
Hey Mom.. just went on your FB page to see if you posted anything.. forgot you weren’t here with me anymore.. This is tough!
Anyway, I miss you & love you! ❤️💔😢
I will miss my childhood friend. We both grew up in Harlem on 138th Street. In fact she has a picture of us at one of her birthday parties. Carolyn and I lost touch but made contact again and would talk once a week for hours. She loved her children, grands and Norman her bonus son. I loved our conversations and will miss them. My condolences to the family and may Carolyn sleep in peace.
I’m sorry that I don’t remember exactly how long I’ve known Carolyn but I would say maybe 30 years. I knew her through her best friend Maxine Mixon who in fact is also one of my own best friends. The two of them spent weekends here at my Cherry Grove Beach house a couple of times. Fun times! I will surely miss Carolyn and think of her often and with love. She loved her family fiercely and looked forward to her many visits to her New York. It’s wonderful now to think of her with our Lord, and I’ll look for her there. 💞
I know the loss of a parent so I know the hurt and pain. God is our refuge in a time of trouble. I send my love to you all. My cousin Carolyn that I always called Aunt!! She was a sister to my father and I loved their relationship. I love you and I will miss your humor. Rest well beautiful black queen all my love Belinda!!!
Dear moms you were like a surrogate mom to me. Although I was a son from another mother, you always made me feel loved and appreciated. Thank you for the loving moments, thank you for the laughters and conversations. And most of all, thank you for the Birthday Dance that we shared on your Birthday!! You will be missed! Rest in strength and Peace!! Love Rick
The McDonald family sends their deepest condolences and love to the Ganaway-Hinnant family.
The decades of experiencing good energy, love, witty personality, and laughter just about all the time will be missed. Something to look forward to at some point in the future when connecting again on the other side.
I was 17 when I first met the legendary icon I lovingly called my bonus mom. She welcomed me into her family as her beautiful daughter’s boyfriend, and eventually her husband, and we’ve been hanging tough ever since.
She was a hoot and a half: always opinionated, never boring, and forever keeping you on your toes. It was both a pleasure and an honor to know and love her. She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
My deepest sympathy and condolences and prayers.