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Carlos Mauricio Mairena Sr.

Carlos Mauricio Mairena Sr. obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Thompson Funeral Homes - Columbia

845 Leesburg Rd

Columbia, South Carolina

Carlos Mairena Obituary

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we remember Carlos Mauricio Mairena, Sr., who passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, at MUSC in Columbia, South Carolina, surrounded by the people who meant the most to him-his family. At 56 years old, Carlos leaves behind a legacy of devotion, faith, and unwavering love.

Carlos was born on December 24, 1968, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, the cherished son of Olga (Mendoza) Merchant. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he was lovingly raised by Olga and her husband, Maricano Merchant. Carlos was also called son by his in-laws, Killis Purnell, Jr. and Sara D Purnell.

In Charleston, South Carolina, Carlos met the love of his life, Monisa Vinay Purnell, and from that moment forward, their hearts were bound together. Married for 34 wonderful years, they built a home overflowing with laughter, faith, and joy, raising three beautiful children and later becoming "Pop-Pop" to his greatest treasures-his grandchildren. Carlos' love for his family was fierce, steady, and endless.

Carlos served his country with pride in the United States Navy from 1990 to 2000, carrying the values of honor, commitment, and resilience into every part of his life. After his service, he continued to give his best in every role he held-whether at Verizon Wireless, LPL Financial, or the United States Postal Service. No matter where life took him, Carlos touched hearts with his kindness, his humor, and his ability to make everyone feel like family.

He is deeply loved and will be forever remembered by his wife, Monisa; his children Pierre Omar Purnell, Corlissa Monay Mairena, and Carlos Mauricio Mairena, Jr. (Goretty Sarai Mairena); and his beloved grandchildren, Junie Lilliana Mairena Williams and Penelope Esmeray Mairena, who brought him endless joy as "Pop-Pop."

Carlos' memory also lives on through his brothers, Anthony Pérez (Cesiah Johana Pérez) and Yanick Noe Merchant; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Killis Purnell III; his niece and nephews, Makayla Monique Pérez, Malik Anthony Pérez, and Jevon Purnell; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will carry his spirit forward.

Carlos' life was a reflection of love in action-love for his family, for his community, and for everyone blessed enough to cross his path. His laughter, his strength, and his embrace will be missed beyond measure, but his legacy will live on in every story, every smile, and every heart he touched.

A memorial service and reception will be held at the family home on October 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather in celebration of Carlos' life and are encouraged to bring handwritten memories, which will be collected into a tribute scrapbook to honor the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Post and Courier - Columbia on Sep. 6, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Carlos Mairena

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Comfort Planter

Tammy

Sent Flowers

Jenelle Howard

October 11, 2025

Thinking of you all at this time. Praying for strength and comfort for your family.

Carlos Rentas

October 10, 2025

You have our deepest sympathy. It was an honor working with a fellow veteran. I hope that the Family can find comfort in the treasured memories that you will always have.

Carlos Rentas and Family

Lorraine White

October 9, 2025

My condolences to my family, the Mairena family. I met Carlos and his wife Mo in 2007. This is really the best couple friendship I have ever had. We became family so quickly called each other´s sister and brother. I was big sis Carlos was little brother and Mo was little sis. We all connected and bonded so quickly. Carlos was definitely a family man and loved all of his family so very much especially his beautiful wife, children and grandchildren. Carlos had a calm loving spirit and always would give a word of encouragement, and he took life seriously. Sometimes I would think that I was funny, and I would look over to Carlos and he wouldn´t be cracking a smile at all, he would just do that to see how I would respond and then crack a smile. I will always cherish the laughter we shared together. Family I´m praying for God´s comfort over our family and friends. Sis, Pierre, Corlissa, CJ, Goretty, Junie and Penelope you all must stick together for life that´s what brother would want. I know that you´re missing him very much and that´s well expected.That´s why it´s important to keep memories and to make memories and love for one another. Love Always Big Sis / Auntie

Marvin Mazariego

October 9, 2025

Carlos had a strong work ethic and was serious about work, but always had some hilarious one liners that would crack us up laughing. It was never a dull moment with him around. He was a giving, considerate person, someone I could always count on. He quickly became a friend. I will miss him very much. My condolences to the Mairena family.

Tedrick Horton

October 3, 2025

Carlos has been 1 of the coolest friends I've met during my beginning NAVY days on board the USS Peleliu 98-99. I enjoyed all the times we link up. We became brothers. I love you Bro, and you're missed already

Tamara Singleton

October 3, 2025

Carlos became part of our family when he met my cousin Nisa in Charleston. At first, I struggled when Sissy and Pierre had to move after he was re-stationed, but it didn´t take long to see that he was a man of strength, kindness, and love-a true blessing to us all.

Carlos had a calm and steady spirit, and the love he showed for his family was evident in everything he did. I will always cherish the laughter we shared, the warmth of his welcome, the memories made, and yes-even his unforgettable BBQ.

He and my son Devin shared a special bond, one filled with banter, silliness, and joy whenever they were together. That connection spoke to the heart of who Carlos was: someone who loved deeply and made others feel loved in return.

Though I´ve always been a Cowboys fan, in honor of you, Carlito, I´ll smile whenever the Giants are playing. Love you. Miss you. Always.

Ebony

September 8, 2025

I worked with Carlos for a brief time at USPS. He was a hard worker and great colleague. I know his life was well lived, by all the hilarious stories and wisdom he shared with us. His energy and laughter was infectious, even at 5:00 am! I´m praying for God´s comfort over his family and friends for the days ahead.

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Memorial Events
for Carlos Mairena

Oct

12

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Family home

SC

Funeral services provided by:

Thompson Funeral Homes - Columbia

845 Leesburg Rd, Columbia, SC 29209

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