By Evita Sherman
Cincinnati mourns the passing of Carmelita Louise Friason, lovingly known as “Carmie”—a lifelong educator, devoted mother, and former Cincinnati Herald columnist. Born on October 26, 1933, to Lawrence H. and Emily Louise Friason, Carmelita was an accomplished pianist by age 16, a graduate of Hughes High School, and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Central State University.
She devoted nearly 40 years to the Cincinnati Public School System as a history teacher and elementary school principal, making a profound impact on generations of students. A longtime member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Carmelita lived a life rooted in service, faith and education.
Her passion for history and the arts took her around the world and onto local stages, including Playhouse in the Park. She was featured on the cover of Scoop magazine and authored the advice column “Socially Yours, Carmelita” for The Cincinnati Herald. In retirement, she remained a voracious reader with a personal library of nearly 1,000 books.
She is survived by her daughter, Carmen L. Warren Spencer; grandson, Collins “Bobby” Spencer IV; and a beloved extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Evva Friason Turpeau; her two half-brothers, Larry Guy and Vernon Friason; and half-sister, Jean Friason.
A memorial service was held Friday, May 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1809 Rutland Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207.