Amanda Cheeks

Amanda Cheeks, the daughter of Armenus and Lula Wortham, was born on November 7, 1920 in Whitestone, South Carolina. After a lengthy illness she quietly slipped away on March 10, 2003 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, surrounded by family.She was converted at an early age at Cedar Grove Baptist Church. She received he education at Cedar Grove School. In 1940 she married the late John Robert Cheeks. In 1945 she came to Baltimore to find a better life for herself and her two daughters. She was a member of Mount Hope Baptist Church for many years, where she served on the Usher Board. In 1979 she became a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she served as a member of the Nurse’s Unit and was the first President of the Prime agers. During the early part of her bout with COPD when she spent most of her days in bed because of fatigue, she would call the sick to encourage them and pray with them.She retired from Rosewood in 1982, where she cared for mentally challenged patients. She received lots of satisfaction from working there and often talked about her experiences on the job. After her retirement she worked again as a home health aide.Mama Tea, as she was fondly called, was an independent and strong woman who drove until she was eighty years old. She encouraged all her grandchildren to get a good education and she always prayed for us. Mama Tea loved to laugh and had a beautiful laugh. She told all the grand’s stories about their earlier years that they could not remember and she loved to reminisce about her earlier years. Nobody could cook greens, fried okra and sweet potato pies like Mama Tea. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting and other kinds of crafts.Her last two and a half years were spent in Keswick Nursing Home. In spite of her illness this was a happy time for her because her daughters, grand’s and great grand’s surrounded her. She would always smile when we came into the room because she was so happy to see us. Sister Jones and the Prime Agers of Calvary were faithful in supporting her. The deacons of Calvary would come and give her communion, which made her so happy. During her stay at Keswick she made beautiful pottery pieces for her family.She leaves to cherish the memory of her life: two daughters, Bessie Maddox and Louella Brown; six grandchildren, Deborah, Marsha, James, Michael, Michele and Pamela; eleven great-grandchildren, fifteen great-great grandchildren, one sister, Josie Farr; one nephew, Richard Farr; one son-in-law, John Maddox; and a host of other family members and friends.

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Amanda Cheeks

November 7, 1920 - March 10, 2003