Funeral services were held Nov. 29 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Jersey City, for teacher and community activist Puella Viola McKenzie Caldwell, 81. She passed away Nov. 19 at home surrounded by her family. She attended North Carolina A.N.T. State and later graduated from Jersey City State College. Puella was employed with J.C. Board of Education as a school teacher, retired from the County of Hudson Board of Elections, before her health began to fail.
A long time resident of Jersey City who spent a life time of public service to the community, especially for the resident of Ward F, Puella distinguished herself by participating in the following organizations: NACCP, Jersey City Title 1 Advisory Board, Jersey City Can-Do, Summer Camp, Jersey City Model Cities Advisory Board, Jersey City Department of Recreation, Hudson County Commiteewoman Ward F, Jersey City State College Theatrical group, starred in the leading role of Momma in “Raisin in the Sun.”
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Mary, Viola, John David Jr., James Caldwell, stepdaughter Michelle Frink (Terrance); grandchildren, Sahar and Crystal Caldwell, and Tiana Patricia Frink; great-grandchildren, Troy and Ruqaiyyah Caldwell Siblings Lillian Dobbs (Otis), Gaythen McKenzie, Alice Gaynell Stephens, Justeen Stephens, Henry L. Powell (Eloise) Suzette Brown, and Lynette Gates; sister-in-law Evelyn Powell; Aunt Mrs. Louise McKenzie; and predeceased by her husband John David Caldwell Sr. and son Joseph; sisters, Vernell McKenzie, and Lucy Mae Simmions; brothers, Henry Laursenia McKenzie, Aaron McKenzie, and Theodore Roosevelt Powell. Services arranged by the Watson Mortuary Service, Jersey City.