Mary C. Clayburn-White

On Wednesday, May 4, 2005, God called the radiant spirit of Mary Clayburn-White, lovingly known as “Mary C”, home to dwell in His presence. Born Mary Elizabeth Mathews, she was the second blessing of 5 children; 3 which preceded her in death, to the union of the late Reverend James and Eleanor Matthews on July 23, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland.Mary was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools and had a real zest for knowledge to continue her education at the Baltimore Junior College, Morgan State College and Loyola University. Mary gained a wealth of knowledge, which led her into a life of broadcasting.If gospel music is a part of our heritage, the present responsibility and the success of gospel radio in Baltimore can be given to our honoree, Mary “C” White. For twenty-eight years, Mary “C” had conducted herself with remarkable preparedness, inclusiveness, friendly spirit and elegance as she filled the sound waves with gospel music.Mary Clayburn White began her broadcasting career in September, 1967 at radio station WEBB. She was hired by Fred Robinson, Program Director and was given “on-the-job” training to become a Gospel disc jockey with an air shift that started at 5 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Her co-hosts were either, Bishop Harold I. Williams, Ernie Boston or Anthony Davis.The tragic death of Martin Luther King, Jr. triggered an interest in Mary’s desire to interview elected officials and the need for more involvement in public affairs. On the day of Dr. King’s death when the entire world was engulfed in sadness and anger she played spirituals and hymns as her way of offering consolation and peace to our people. Mary played the solemn music between the interview and commentaries almost non-stop from Friday, April 4, 1968 until Dr. King was laid to rest.When Kitty Broady left her position as Public Affairs Director at WWIN, Al Jefferson hired Mary Clayburn. It was he, who named her Mary “C. Mary’s interview program, THE FORUM, aired from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. followed by MELODIES OF INSPIRATION, gospel music from 9 a.m.-12 noon on Sundays for nineteen years which included her commitment to public affairs. Simultaneously, she produced a gospel show at WMAR-TV entitled MUSIC TO LIVE BY and years later hosted a show on WBAL-TV, JUBILEE.Mary believed that she put her microphone to its best use when she began to speak out about Sickle Cell Anemia. As a result of her awareness strategies, the first Sickle Cell Anemia awareness organization in Maryland was formed and pamphlets devoted solely to Sickle Cell Anemia received a federal grant of “$111,000 for the purpose of awareness. The rest of the story is history.Mary’s tenacity and determination resulted in numerous awards and commendations, among them: Charter Member of the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease, profiled in “Women Who Found Their True Calling” by Lois Rich McCoy of Harper & Row, featured in an educational film, “Mending Dreams”, the first Black woman to be named Baltimore’s Advertising Woman of the Year, National Ad Woman of the Year, the Andrew White Medal of Humanitarianism from Loyola College, Zeta’s Finer Womanhood Award, 100 Distinguished Women Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and also granted Mary Clayburn Day in Baltimore.In 1987 Roy Sampson called upon Mary “C” to become the first live announcer of Sunday morning gospel music on the “Number 1’ urban music station in the state of Maryland, V-103. She opened each Sunday morning with that famous song “Include Me.” The success of that innovation prompted the management to discontinue country music on its sister station WCAO and make it a twenty-four hour gospel music station known to all as HEAVEN 600. Again, Mary “C” was the first voice heard on the New HEAVEN 600 where she also served as the Director of Public Affairs. Mary “C” and Lee Michaels worked as a team for several months until she was later assigned as the 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. midday radio personality and became well known for her daily Bible Trivia and Lunch Time Revival.Following months of toiling with a major decision in her life, on December 21, 1995 Mary “C” announced to her listening audience that she was retiring from broadcasting, having worked in Baltimore radio for twenty-eight years. After her retirement from the radio she began writing the Church column for the Baltimore Afro-American.While working as a radio personality and having access to the critical needs of the Baltimore community enabled her to better serve as a member of various Boards, among them: League for the Handicapped, National Sickle cell Anemia, goodwill Industries of Maryland, Provident Hospital Auxiliary, Maryland Drug abuse Administration and Maryland Podiatric Advisory. Mary has received awards and citations from President Nixon, Governors Mandel, Hughes and Schaefer and Mayors Schaefer and Schmoke.Following the strong Christian Leadership of her parents, Mary accepted the Lord as her savior at an early age. Her Christian journey began at Mount Hebron Baptist Church under the pastorate of her late father, The Reverend James Matthews. Mary continued her Christian walk at City Temple Baptist Church of Baltimore, where she served as a Deaconess. She gave unselfishly of her time, energy and compassion as an active member. Her most recent affiliation has been with the New Psalmist Baptist Church where she served on the Hospitality Committee, the Empowering Disciples Magazine Ministry, and the Archives Ministry. She regularly attended Bible Class under the leadership of Minister Steve Colbert and also completed the tree-year Discipleship Ministry in 2004.Mary “C” was united in holy matrimony to McKinley Clayburn and was blessed with two sons, mark and Myron. She later married Frank White.Mary “C” leaves to cherish her memory and honor the blessing of her life: her husband, Frank White; two loving and devoted sons, Mark and Myron Clayburn; two daughters-in-law, June and Regina Clayburn; her devoted sister, Eleanor Matthews; six loving grandchildren Joshua, Javone, Elbert, Sade', Jerome and Megan; also, one special niece, Marilyn, who preceded her in death; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Mary C. Clayburn-White

July 23, 1933 - May 4, 2005