Eloise Carey

Reverend Eloise Ellen Carey was born to Reverend Arthur and Leatrice Jacobs Roberts on February 4, 1944 in Oakland, California. Eloise accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Reno, Nevada at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, which was founded by her father. During the Roberts’ Reno years,1950 to 1959, Eloise’s best friend became her sister when Eloise Espinosa joined the family.

As a teen, Eloise became known for her powerful, spirited vocal talents. She sang as a soloist and in a group with sisters Gwen and Berlene, and cousins. After graduating from Oakland Technical High School, Eloise briefly lived in Minden Louisiana with her paternal grandfather, Mose Roberts. Upon return to California, Eloise worked as a key punch operator for the United States Naval Supply; however, her passion for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ became her full-time job.
In describing her “Leading of the Lord” in 2017, Eloise wrote “The Lord had given my mother compassion for those in hospitals, convalescent homes, the homeless. So I learned ministry by working with my Mother. As I reached the age of 18 yrs. old, I was able to join my Mother in doing prison ministry. That was my beginning of prison ministry. Every month I was at Santa Rita Prison playing the piano, singing and ministering the Word of God. Month to month, year after year. From Santa Rita to services at other prisons, hospitals and Juvenile Hall.

In 1969, my mother took me to a Mission Conference where I met Mother Augusta Tyler, a missionary to Liberia who had brought four girls back from Liberia to be trained in Christian school in California. That was my first encounter with a real foreign missionary. In 1971, my mother went to be with the Lord, but the Lord had already prepared my heart to do the work of the ministry.

After meeting Mother Tyler, I worked with her for 15 years. She helped prepare and trained me for ministry.” Eloise married Billy Joe Carey and they welcomed their son, William Damone Carey on October 27, 1973. The Carey home at 10330 Royal Ann Street in Oakland became the 24-hour “House of Prayer,” where she held daily devotion, prayer services, fed and housed the homeless and addicted, and ministered to hundreds. The House of Prayer even served as a polling place for neighborhood voters for years. Eloise’s minivan became the “Chariot of Fire.” She had an emblazoned chariot painted onto the van which could be seen stopping along East 14th Street to minister to people in need – even bringing them into her home when necessary. Eloise’s Children’s Ministry taught bible classes and sponsored an Annual Christmas Dinner for neighborhood children.
Eloise had a strong personality and jovial disposition. Any time of day or night, when the phone rang, she cheerfully answered “Praise the Lord.” Eloise performed and recorded gospel albums that showcased her amazing talent and further spread her message of God’s love. She headlined her own concert at Oakland’s Scottish Rite Theater in the 1980s where she performed songs from her “Showers of Blessings” LP. She and William even appeared on the Phil Donahue Show. She served as organist and/or choir director for multiple churches including Saint Louis Bertrand Catholic Church of Oakland, CA, St. Paul A.M.E. of Berkeley, CA, Community Presbyterian Church of Danville, CA, Cosmopolitan Baptist Church of Oakland, CA and Second Baptist Church of Las Vegas, NV.
Eloise’s missionary work began with Mother Augusta Tyler, Sister Teddy McKerry, and the Voice of Africa Mission. She founded the Eloise Carey Evangelistic Association and from 1977 to 2007, traveled several continents. Obeying Matthew 28:19, she evangelized in Bolivia, Burma, China, Ecuador, England, Ethiopia, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam. Eloise was licensed to preach by Shiloh Church, where she was very active in all facets of ministry, especially with African and Latino congregants. She engaged in biblical studies at Bay Cities Bible Institute, Western Baptist Bible College, and Shiloh Bible College.

After decades in Oakland, CA, Eloise moved to Las Vegas, NV in 2009. She wholeheartedly adopted Las Vegas as her home. In Las Vegas, she faithfully broadcasted fervent prayers during “Moments of Meditation” on KKVV 1060 AM until her health no longer allowed. She enjoyed being close to her grandsons in Las Vegas and created a supportive community there until she passed on August 24, 2026. The Eloise Carey Evangelistic Association also sent a monthly “Channel of God’s Love” newsletter that connected with hundreds.

Eloise’s dear son William departed this life on May 17, 2017. She was also preceded in death by parents Reverend Arthur and Leatrice Jacobs Roberts, brother Curtis B. Roberts Sr., sister Eloise Espinosa, sister and avid supporter, Gwendolyn S. Roberts, nephews Brian D. Malone, and Phillip Roberts.

She leaves to cherish her memory daughter-in-law Tosha Carey; grandsons William Damone Carey II, Devin Jovan Carey Sr., Josiah Isaiah Carey and Mekhi Kurtis Ivan Carey; great-grandsons Destin Damone Carey and Devin Jovan Carey Jr. all of Las Vegas, NV; sisters Berlene D. Roberts and Dorthy R. Webb of Oakland, CA; nephews Curtis B. Roberts Jr. (Teresa), Michael Anthony Roberts Sr., nieces Linda Jones, Leith Hendryx, Kathy Portis, Alicia Richardson (Randolph Jr.), Leatrice Sirls-Webb and Danielle Y. Webb; godchildren Bendu Griffin Washington, Nyah Ilie Jackson, Kimberly Moreland, and Michael String; god-grandchildren Benjamin Chambers, Bruce Griffin, Blake Ann Griffin, Terisha Roselin, Teizue Nwabuzoh, Serenity Mouton, Noah Mouton, Laiel Mouton; and a hosts of cousins, great-nieces and nephews (including Vaughn Roberts of Las Vegas, NV who faithfully visited and provided constant and necessary assistance to her,) friends, siblings in Christ, and partners in ministry.
Eloise touched many through her music, evangelism and prayers.

She was truly a “Channel of God’s Love.” When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she replied “I want the work I’ve done to speak for me.” Her last message to loved ones was: “I love you. Whatever I have done to be a blessing to you will remain with you always. I pray that you would know Jesus.” – Eloise Carey