Carole Hursey Laster

"Well done thy good and faithful servant"

Carole Ann Hursey Laster, a long time Bridgeton educator passed away peacefully in Newnan, Georgia on Friday, June 3, 2022 surrounded by her family.  The family recently celebrated Carole's 85 th birthday.   Carole Ann was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey on May 24, 1937, to James Wilmer and Nancy (Wesley) Hursey. She was the wife of the late Miles Laster, as they were married for 46 years before he transitioned in 2006.

Carole was educated in the Bridgeton Public School System and graduated with the class of 1955. While in high school, she played varsity field hockey and basketball. After graduation from Bridgeton High School, Carole entered the West Jersey Hospital School of Medical Technology (now Virtua) as the first enrolled black student and received her certification in 1957.  She remained in the medical field for approximately 40 years on a mostly part-time basis.

Carole married her soulmate, Miles Laster in December of 1959 while their first home was being built in Bridgeton next door to her mother and father.  From this union, they were blessed with three children, Reginald Lamont, D'Andre Monare, and Jana' Camile.  Carole and Miles were devoted parents that instilled the value of hard work, education, family, and service to others.  Through the years, Miles and Carole had the opportunity to host other children in their home including an exchange student from Germany, extended relatives, and others.

Carole relocated to Georgia in 2015 with her daughter and son-in-law, Jana' and Reggie Sparks.  While in Georgia, Carole continued her love for education, by helping and supporting the local school system by volunteering her time and expertise.  Carole enjoyed walking every day in the neighborhood, going to the Senior Citizen Center, and developing relationships with other seniors in the community.  At the age of 80, Carole decided to sharpen her skills so she started taking piano lessons two times a week.  She even had the opportunity to participate in the Christmas Musical Recital as the oldest student in which she played three Christmas songs.  Carole truly enjoyed her time in Georgia, as she was able to relax and truly enjoy retirement life.

Carole has always been a servant leader.  She has always served God as well as mankind which included her love for Mt. Zion AME Church, Bridgeton, New Jersey.  She was very active in the church and served as an Usher, Missionary Society, Stewardess Board #3, Church Treasurer and the Pastor Steward.  Other organizations that Carole kept close to her heart were Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated which she was proudly initiated in 1990 in the Theta Kappa Omega Chapter in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Bridgeton Board of Education, Cumberland County College committees, Division of Youth and Family Services Advisory Board, National and State Association of Secondary Principals, Cumberland County Black Hall of Fame Committee, One Man Can Make a Difference, Blacks On the South Side (B.O.S.S), and the Regal Radiant Red Hatters.

Carole leaves to cherish her memory; two sons, Reginald Laster (Corrine) of Middletown, Delaware, D'Andre Laster (Catrina) of Laurel Springs, New Jersey; one daughter, Dr. Jana' Laster Sparks (Reginald) of Newnan, Georgia; six grandchildren, Kyla, Madison, Wesley Miles, Arianna, Cailyn and Cullen; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Hursey of Virginia, Ophelia Laster of Detroit, Michigan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

She was predeceased by her parents, James and Nancy Hursey, husband of 46 years, Miles Laster, brothers, James and DeEdwin Hursey, and sisters, Dr. Martha Brown and Christina Miles.

"Well done thy good and faithful servant"

Viewing 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony 11:30 a.m., Funeral 12:30 p.m.

Carole Laster Educational Fund c/o Jana' Sparks