Carolyn E. Fugett, Beloved Baltimore Community Activist and Mother of Reginald F. Lewis, Dies (September 25, 1925 – February 7, 2023)
A lifelong resident of Maryland, Carolyn successfully balanced the demands of raising a family in West Baltimore while working at least five days a week and finding time to work with community organizations. And she always relied on her faith in God and the Church.
Born on September 10, 1925 in East Baltimore to the late Samuel J. and Savilla Cole Cooper, Carolyn was briefly married at an early age to the late Clinton Lewis. Their son, Reginald F. Lewis, would become one of the most successful lawyers, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists of his generation.
In 1951, Carolyn married Jean S. Fugett, Sr. Together they raised and educated six children. Her family grew to include thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Carolyn made education a family priority, demanding that her husband and children finish their college education. One child earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, another a Master of Arts, one a Doctor of Education Degree, and three Juris Doctorate Degrees.
Carolyn had the ear of many politicians over the years, working with Governor William Donald Schaefer to select a site for a museum at Pratt and President Streets that would be built and then named after her son Reginald F. Lewis. She also supported City Councilwoman Agnes Welch in improving conditions in the Rosemont Community where they both lived.
Carolyn’s motto, and the title of her autobiography, was “Just Do.” Carolyn was no stranger to hard work and always managed to put her family first. She enjoyed taking care of grandchildren, cooking, gardening, and collecting art and historical artifacts. Over many years Carolyn created what she lovingly referred to as our “heritage trail”, a blend of historical artifacts and images that paint a picture of her family’s history and historical contributions spanning from segregation to integration.
A devout Catholic, Carolyn was a confidant to Cardinals, served on various boards associated with Catholic Charities, and was a member of Saint Edward Roman Catholic Church. She was also former president of her Parish Council and member of the church’s Sodality. Carolyn was active in West Baltimore’s Rosemont community as an organizer, served on the Wilmer Eye Institute Board, was a loyal Baltimore Colts football fan, and was called “Mom” by many who were fortunate enough to know her.
Carolyn Fugett was predeceased by husband Jean S. Fugett, Sr.; son Reginald F. Lewis, Esq.; sister Charlotte Sullivan; and brothers Samuel Cooper, Jr., Robert Cooper, and Donald Cooper. Carolyn is survived by her brother James Cooper (Delores); sisters Doris Hill and Beverly Cooper; children Jean S. Fugett, Jr., Esq. (Carlotta), Anthony S. Fugett (Trittye), Rosalyn F. Wiley, Ed.D. (Elliott), Joseph M. Fugett, Sharon F. Sands, Esq. (Anthony); daughter-in-law Loida Nicolas Lewis, Esq.; thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Carolyn’s Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, February 19th at the March Life Tribute Center, followed by a Mass on Monday, February 20th at her beloved Saint Edward’s Roman Catholic Church in Baltimore, MD. Her final interment was at the New Cathedral Cemetery.
The Fugett-Lewis family asks for any donations to go to The Carolyn E. Fugett Charitable Fund. The Fugett Fund was set up with the Baltimore Community Foundation to celebrate the life and legacy of Carolyn Fugett, by enshrining philanthropy within the family and giving back to Baltimore.
Give online here: https://bcf.org/fugett.
– Team Reginald F. Lewis