Verbatine "Carrie" Polite

In Loving Memory of
Mother Verbatine “Carrie” Polite

Mother Verbatine Polite, affectionately known as Carrie, was born on August 5, 1956, in Eutawville South Carolina to the late William and Louise Middleton. From an early age, she was rooted in faith, family, and service values that guided her life’s journey and legacy.

Carrie began her spiritual foundation at Greater St. Paul United Methodist Church, a historic church founded by her great-grandfather, Reverend Moses Lee. Her faith would remain a central pillar throughout her life. She graduated from Roberts High School in Holy Hill, South Carolina in 1972. Soon after, Carrie relocated to New York, where she continued her education at APEX Cosmetology School, earning her license as a cosmetologist in the State of New York.

On October 4, 1973, Carrie began a distinguished career at Rockland Psychiatric Center, affectionately known as “Big Rockland,” as a MHTA on the Admissions Unit. Her dedication and excellence led to her promotion on July 30, 1998, to SCTA. She served on numerous event committees, where her specialty was preparing southern delicacies, including liver dishes, bread pudding, and her beloved salmon cakes. After more than four decades of faithful service, Carrie retired from Rockland Psychiatric Center on November 30, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to those entrusted to her care.

Carrie was known not only for her service, but also for her joy. She had a passion for dance and proudly participated in an Electric Slide Contest for the BARSA Unit. She loved watching Dancing with the Stars and Family Feud, often enjoying those moments with family. Her excellence and humanity were widely recognized. Carrie received several awards during her lifetime, including the Joe Sanders Award for Humanitarianism, Employee of the Year, and numerous accolades from the Black Heritage Committee at Rockland Psychiatric Center.

Her compassionate nature led her into a life of caregiving. Carrie became a Licensed Family Care Provider through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). In addition, she served as a Certified Respite Care Provider for Diane LaFalcia for over 30 years. Affectionately known as “Ms. Polite,” Carrie became an extended member of Diane’s family, consistently demonstrating unwavering love, patience, and devotion throughout decades of faithful service.

A devoted worshiper of God, Carrie joined First Baptist Church of Spring Valley, New York in early 2001. In 2015, she became a member of Anathoth Answers Prayers Ministry, where she faithfully served with dedication and humility. After years of committed service, she was called to serve as Mother of the Church on March 18, 2018, under the leadership of Pastor D. Shon Clay.

Beyond her professional and spiritual commitments, Carrie served as a Foster Parent through the Rockland County Department of Social Services and was a proud member of the Poinsettia Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

Above all else, Carrie cherished her family. She had four great loves of her life, her children: Lakeshia Polite, James Polite Jr., Travis Polite, and Elijah Fremont. Her heart overflowed with love for her precious grandchildren, whom she affectionately called her jewels: Makiya, Sophia and Kayden.

Carrie was predeceased by her brothers Gerald Middleton and William Middleton Jr., and her sister-in-laws Arlyne Middleton and Wanda K. Middleton.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving children; her sisters Annie Davis (Stephen), Shirley Jackson (James), Mariann Green (Francis), all of Nanuet, NY; Agnes Pinckney (Evangelist Isaac) and Harriett Chambers (Carlton) both of Middletown, NY; and Rose Riley (Rev. Michael) of New City, NY. She is also survived by her brothers Minister Anthony Middleton (Brandi) of Spring Valley, NY, and David Middleton (Sherrie) of Middletown, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

Mother Verbatine “Carrie” Polite lived a life of faith, service, love, and joy. Her legacy will continue through the countless lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the God she faithfully served.

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