Carletta Faye Fountain, 71, a beloved mother, loving sister, devoted substance abuse counselor, and talented cosmetologist, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to her eternal home with the Lord on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Born on February 7, 1955, in Greenville, North Carolina, Carletta was the daughter of the late Rosa Love Harris and Charles Merritt and the bonus daughter of the late Jasper Harris.
Throughout her life, she demonstrated unwavering faith, compassion, and a heart for serving others. Her passing marks the completion of an earthly journey filled with love, wisdom, and grace, and the beginning of her eternal rest in the presence of her Heavenly Father.
From her humble beginnings in North Carolina to her many years of service in Connecticut, Carletta dedicated her life to helping others feel better, both inside and out. After graduating from J. H. Rose High School in 1973, she relocated to Connecticut to be closer to family, especially her beloved big sister, Cheryl. Determined to further her education and pursue her passions, Carletta attended South Central Community College, Southern Connecticut State University, and Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture.
Carletta’s professional journey reflected her passion for helping others. She served as a substance abuse counselor and therapist, including at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center’s Northside Program. Her professional experience also included positions at Iota Job Corps, the YMCA, and Southern New England Telephone (SNET). As a counselor, she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by addiction, offering guidance, encouragement, compassion, and hope to those navigating difficult circumstances.
Following her career in counseling, Carletta fulfilled another lifelong dream by becoming a licensed cosmetologist. With her creative hands and warm spirit, she brought beauty and confidence to countless women and men. She worked at Ward’s House of Style, where the owner and head stylist, affectionately known as “Hot Dog,” lovingly nicknamed her the “Princess Queen of Ward’s.” She also shared her talents at McAdoo’s Barbershop in New Haven, Connecticut. For Carletta, hairstyling was more than a profession; it was another opportunity to connect with people, offer encouragement, share laughter, and make others feel special. Her creativity, compassion, and memorable salon conversations left a lasting impression on everyone who sat in her chair.
Carletta’s life was deeply rooted in her Christian faith, which began at Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, North Carolina. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. In her later years, she became a faithful member of Body of Christ Assemblies, where she continued her spiritual journey. Through her words and actions, she demonstrated the importance of kindness, humility, generosity, and love, instilling these same values in her children.
Above all, Carletta cherished her family. As a devoted mother, she loved her children wholeheartedly and found her greatest joy in spending time with those she held dear. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family, with Christmas morning breakfast holding a special place in her heart. Nothing brought her more happiness than preparing a delicious meal and watching her boys eat, eat, and eat some more! Those treasured moments around the table, filled with good food, laughter, and love, will forever remain precious family memories.
Carletta was a woman of many talents and creative passions. She found joy in cooking, singing, and watching classic black-and-white movies, especially her all-time favorite, Imitation of Life . A gifted artist with a creative spirit, she enjoyed making beautiful crafts and expressing herself through her many artistic talents. One of her favorite ways to show love was by making no-sew blankets for family and friends. Each blanket was more than a handmade gift; it was a special expression of her love, warmth, and thoughtfulness. Whether she was preparing a delicious meal, singing a favorite song, creating something beautiful, or enjoying a classic movie, Carletta embraced life’s simple pleasures and found meaningful ways to share them with those she loved.
Carletta was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa Love Harris and Charles Merritt; her bonus father, Jasper Harris; and one granddaughter.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory, her three beloved children, Corey Merritt, Charles Merritt (Shaquana), and Anya Fountain, who were the pride and joy of her life. She poured her heart into raising her children with the same faith, strength, and love that shaped her own life, leaving them a legacy they will continue to carry forward.
She also leaves to cherish her memory, three loving sisters, Cheryl Merritt, Catherine Harvey (Michael), and Porchia Merritt; two brothers, Calvin Merritt and Craig Merritt (Rosemarie); special godbrothers, Danny Stancil (Alice) and Duane Dixon (Kosannya); a godsister, Lisa Lovette (Andre); a thoughtful daughter-in-love, Kellene Durham; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her presence.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Carletta will fondly remember her gentle spirit, caring heart, and distinctively slow, soft-spoken manner of speaking. She had a way of making others feel comfortable and reassured, offering a listening ear, a thoughtful word, or simply her comforting presence. Her strength, courage, and resilience were an inspiration to those around her.
Although our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of her earthly presence, we find comfort in knowing that Carletta is now resting peacefully in the arms of her Savior, reunited with loved ones who preceded her in death.
As we say goodbye for now, we hold tightly to the beautiful memories, the lessons she taught, the love she freely gave, and the many lives she touched along the way. Her earthly journey may have ended, but her legacy of faith, love, service, and compassion will live on for generations to come.
Carletta’s light will forever shine in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.
A celebration of Carletta’s life will take place Friday, November 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew’s UFW Baptist Church, 400 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Friday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Fountain family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com