Caralease Thompson was born on May 29, 1942 to Irene Sampson and Matthew Thompson in Georgetown, SC. She was raised by her mother, Irene Sampson. They relocated to Newark NJ where Caralease grew up as the youngest of 3 siblings including Rodney Littleton( preceded her in death) and Sylvia Upshaw.

Caralease attended the Newark Public School system for most of her formal education. Caralease was affectionately known as Peewee by family and friends.

In the early part of 1969 Peewee discovered she was becoming a mother. She gave birth to her beautiful baby boy Carl Dawkins (preceded her in death). He was her joy and reason for living everyday. She loved him and raised him to be a great man. She went above and beyond to make sure he had everything he needed.

Caralease was extremely fond of her adoptive grandrchidren Janese Baines, Noah Baines, Maniyah Baines, Jaylen Baines, & Zarriyah Dunn.

Caralease worked in the food service most of her adult life. She retired from this industry with all the love of her work and helping of others whether they asked or not. Peewee loved to laugh and had a great spirit. She was an avid Cowboys fan. The only things she enjoyed more than her Cowboys was her son, adoptive grandchildren and she had many. Peewee loved to laugh, had a great spirit and being with her friends that were not friends but actual family to her.

Caralease(PeeWee) departed this life on June 19th 2021 after a stroke she suffered from a while back. She is survived by her sister Sylvia Upshaw, also by her grands in life and heart Janese Baines, Noah Baines, Maniyah Baines, Jaylen Baines, and Zarriyah Dunn. She leaves to mourn her memory her daughter in-law Christina Ridley, nieces, cousins, family and friends. While this will create a void in many hearts she is at peace.

Don’t Grieve For Me

For now I’m

Im following the path GOD laid for

I took his hand when I heard him

I turned my back and left it all I could not

Another day to laugh, to love, to work or

Task undone must stay that

I found that peace at close of

If my parting has left a

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah yes these things I too will

Be not burdened with times of

I wish you the sunshine of much

My life’s been full I’ve savored

Perhaps my time seemed all to

Don’t lengthen it now undue

Lift up your hearts and share with

GOD wanted