Annette Caldwell

Annette Caldwell Sunrise: July 24, 1936 – Sunset: July 22, 2025 Annette Caldwell (née Johnson) was born to Clarence and Willer Mae Johnson on July 24, 1936. She was the oldest of four children. Annette graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Baltimore, Maryland in 1955, where she was voted “Best Dressed,” a title that reflected the flair for fashion she maintained throughout her life. In 1956 she married her childhood sweetheart, William E. Caldwell, Jr. Her interest in community service started as a young woman when she joined the NAACP and worked on voter registration drives. In 1964, the Caldwell family moved to Lorain, Ohio, seeking better employment opportunities. Annette was employed by the Neighborhood House Association and dedicated 33 years of service to the Cityview Center in Lorain, Ohio. She began as a custodian, but saw an opportunity to do more and started volunteering. She became an assistant preschool teacher and even returned to school to study Early Childhood Education at LCCC (Lorain County Community College). Through extensive social service training and by assisting the previous director, she eventually became the director. In 2000, Annette retired as the Director of Cityview Center. In addition to her career, Annette served on numerous committees and boards to advocate for her community, and she was especially passionate about supporting young Black males. Her volunteer roles included the Girl Scouts of America, where she encouraged Black girls to participate in scouting; the Lorain International Festival Committee, where she worked to increase Black representation and support an African American princess in the pageant; the YWCA board, where she helped implement programs for women at Cityview Center; and the Clearview PTA board, where she ensured that Black children received all educational opportunities available to them. Annette received many prestigious accolades during her lifetime. She was a member of Buckeye Chapter #46, O.E.S. (Order of the Eastern Star) in Lorain, Ohio, and held lifetime memberships in the NAACP and the NANBPW, Inc. (National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc). In 1989, she was honored with the Sojourner Truth Award from the Lorain club of NANBPW, Inc. Annette was a faithful and very active member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Lorain, OH, where she served as one of the first female trustees. While living in Chesapeake, VA, she joined Providence United Church of Christ. In 2012, she made her final move and became a member of St. Stephen Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, under the leadership of Rev. Kevin W. Cosby. Annette was preceded in death by her mother, Willer M. Alston; her husband of 47 years, William E. Caldwell Jr.; and a grandson, Nyles C. Neely Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory five children: Veronica Caldwell Williams (Terence), Wendy A. Caldwell, William E. Caldwell III (Gladys), Anna M. Caldwell, and Antoinette Caldwell. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Andrew Page; two sisters, Doreather Nesbit and Linda Samuel; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She lovingly leaves, never to be forgotten, her best friend, Carrie E. Wilson. Annette’s favorite hymn, “Blessed Assurance,” echoes the testimony of her life in its timeless refrain: “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.” Those words were not just lyrics to her — they were her declaration, her legacy, her unwavering testimony. Her children called her blessed, not only for what she did but for how she did it, always with grace, purpose, and quiet courage. Indeed, this is her story — and what a glorious one it is. All services will be held at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 1018 S. 15th Street, Louisville, KY 40210. Visitation will be on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 10:00 A.M., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218.

Annette Caldwell

July 24, 1936 - July 22, 2025