Carnell H. Windley-Ginn

Celebrating the Life, Legacy and Love of

Carnell Windley-Ginn

Carnell Hiawatha Windley-Ginn of Severn, Maryland, passed on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the age of 69. Carnell peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord in her favorite earthy place, the comfort of her home. 

Nell, as she was affectionately known from birth to her family and friends, was a nurturing mother to all that she came in contact with. If a child was in need, out of order or in danger (even in public), Nell’s motherly instinct would take over. She could develop and facilitate any recourse to ensure the wellbeing and safety of everyone. Nell was not a stranger to anyone. Although she did not have any children of her own, she was certainly a mother to all. Hence, her purpose driven calling to serve in the field of Social Work.

Nell was born in Plantersville (Georgetown County), South Carolina on May 14, 1953, to parents Luther J. Windley, Sr. and Mabel R. Windley. One of thirteen children, Nell was never one to normalize or glorify any conditions or situations for the sake of anyone’s feelings; she would give you “clean cut corn.” She kept it real! She was a person of no nonsense because she was passionate about everyone’s success, health, and personal well-being. She was a profound listener and an avid reader. She truly loved to collect and read books of all kinds, especially history. 

Nell attended the public schools of Georgetown, South Carolina, where she graduated from Choppee High School with honors in 1971. She went on to further her education at Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she proudly became a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority and served on the St. Augustine’s College Gospel Choir. She graduated in 1976 with a multitude of honors and a bachelor degree in Sociology. Some of her many honors included “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges,” honors of Academic Excellence, Alpha Kappa Mu, and the Dean’s list. To advance her educational goals and professional plans, she attended Howard University (Washington, D.C.) and graduated Magna Cumme Laude with a Masters of Social Work (MSW) in 1978. 

She began her professional career as a Social Worker at the Oxford Children Orphanage of Oxford, North Carolina. While attending Howard University, she worked for the Maryland Department of Social Services, where she positively impacted and changed lives. After nearly ten years of service, Nell realigned her professional career with the University of Maryland (Baltimore) School of Social Work as a Field Instructor. She remained with the University until she retired in 2019. Although Nell has always cherished her family and countless friends, during her time at the university she gained several titles, such as teacher, mentor, financial advisor, business consultant, nurturer, counselor, trusted advisor, Ms. Carnell, and most importantly, Mom. Another example of how she unselfishly took on her earthly calling and exemplified God’s word in 1 Corinthian 15:33, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”

Jesus was the light of Nell’s life. She was christened in St.Paul A.M.E. (Georgetown, South Carolina) at an early age. As she faithfully served the Lord, she embraced her ability to display how to pivot along life’s journey and turn darkness into light. She would always seek spiritual guidance no matter where life lead her. Over time she spent many years under the spiritual guidance of John K. Jenkins, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Glenarden, Maryland. She was so in-tuned to God’s earthly calling on her life, while worshipping at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, she shared her gift by actively serving through “Turning Point Ministries” and Toast Masters. She was baptized at First Baptist of Glenarden in February 1991. She eventually transferred her call to worship closer to her home under the guidance of Bishop Joseph A. McCargo, Covenant Church, Laurel, Maryland. Since the pandemic, she faithfully joined virtual services with her childhood church, St. Paul A.M.E. under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Rubin Smalls. Each Sunday after St. Paul A.M.E. virtual service, she would respectfully connect via Zoom with her local church family, Crossover Church (Odenton, Maryland), where she happily became a member in recent years under the spiritual leadership of Reverend Robyn Seay.

Nell was loved, cherished, and spoiled by so many. She will be remembered most for the love she had for her countless family, friends, and god-children. She was married to her great friend, Walter Ginn in 1990. Although they divorced many years ago, they continued to share an everlasting friendship until Walter was called home to be with the Lord December 2021. 

Nell was preceded in death by her father, Luther James Windley, Sr. and her eldest brother, Luther James Windley, Jr. She is survived by her mother Mabel Windley (Georgetown, SC); sisters Mabelene Young (Raleigh, NC), Shirley Crutchfield (Fort Washington, MD), Lessie Landry (Upper Marlboro, MD), Jacqueline Reed (Theron) (McDonough, GA), Susan Baptist (Bowie, MD), Deborah Alston (Bobby) (Anchorage, AK), Beverly Windley (Conyers, GA), and Sharon Windley (Georgetown, SC); brothers Billy Windley (Vanessa) (McDonough, GA), Sherald Windley (Cynthia) (Rembert, SC), Aaron Windley (Rhonda) (Ellenwood, GA), and Ronald Windley (Sheldonia) (Stockbridge, GA); Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a great-great niece. She had a few special sisters Mrs. Sandra J. Sanford (Mitchellville, MD), Nne Nwosu (Glen Dale, MD), Rose Marie Geathers (Lake City, SC), Cindy Capers (Charleston, SC), Francis Neal (Philadelphia, PA),  and Cheryl White (Salisbury, MD); special brothers Jimmy Terrell Bromell (Georgetown, SC); special son Temitope Owoeye (Baltimore, MD); and special daughters Malika Doran (Clinton, MD), Joy Hogue (Hanover, MD), Tina Spriggs-Enis (Upper Marlboro, MD), and Sandra Otis (Severn, MD); dedicated neighbor and friend Todd Snyder (Severn, MD). She is truly a beloved aunt, cousin, god-mother, and mother figure to countless family and friends. 

One of God’s greatest blessings is His gift of special people – the ones who touch our days with kindness, fill our hearts with gratitude, and bring His love to life.