Amelia G. Tabron

Amelia Gertrude Solomon Tabron (Pullen) was born on July 31, 1929 to the late Lemuel and Sallie Pullen in Littleton, NC. After a lengthy illness, she peacefully went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2015. Amelia was the youngest of twelve children. Her mother died when she was nine years old; her father died when she was fifteen. After the passing both her parents, she lived with her older siblings, until graduating from high school. Upon graduating from McIver High School in 1948, Amelia moved to Baltimore, MD where several of her siblings resided. In November of that years, she was united in holy matrimony with Joseph Cyrus Solomon. From this union were born four children: Vecchionia Denise, Joseph Ervin, Sharon Maria, and Wanda Darzelle. Although she was the youngest of her siblings, she was the matriarch of the family. Cyrus and Amelia's home was the launching pad and safe for many relatives and friends as they moved from the South to Baltimore. They did not have a lot in material possessions, but were always willing to share what they had. In addition to their four children and the transitioning Southerners, they also provided a home for years for several young nieces, nephews and siblings. Amelia was a God-Fearing woman who truly loved the Lord. She was baptized as a child at the New Shiloh Baptist Church in Arcola, NC. After moving to Baltimore, she joined Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Wilkerson. She was a dedicated member at Zion Baptist Church for many years. She moved her membership to Pleasant Rock Baptist Church when one of it's Associate Pastors, Reverend Timothy Loftin, was led to start his own church. She was a faithful and active member until her health failed. Amelia served as a Deaconess, President of the Pastor's Aide, Hospitality Ministry, and Missionary Board. “Mother Tabron” as she was fondly called by her church family, had a way of telling you “to love the Lord, He is the only one that can carry you.” She was very instrumental in helping Pleasant Rock from a small group of parishioners holding worship service at Betts Funeral Home to moving successfully into larger edifices to accommodate a steadily growing congregation. After the death of Cyrus in 1976, she was reunited with her high school prom date, Thomas C. Tabron. They were married in 1986 and this union resulted in the addition of Thomas' three children: Mickey, Deborah, and Steven. Thomas and Amelia lived happily until his death in June, 2007. Amelia was employed at Bugle Laundry for several years and later at the Johns Hopkins Hospital as a Nurse's Aide. She was widely recognized as a dedicated and extremely competent employee who was able to put patients at ease and help maintain a pleasant work environment for both patients and staff. She transferred these skills to her job as a Psychiatric Aide at Rosewood State Hospital, where she worked for over twenty years, before retiring due to disability. Fondly known as “Omelia” by family, she was a kind and loving person, willing to share and give to anyone in need, whether a stranger or family member. She was an excellent cook and was renowned for her coconut custard pie and sweet potato pie. Amelia had a passion and love for babies, the sick and the elderly, truly a missionary at heart. Reflecting back on her life, Amelia would say, “if I would write a book, it would never be a dull moment.” She dispensed sage advice to many, young and old. Two of her favorite sayings were, “Just keep on living” (spoken when the younger people would complain about her actions/ lack of actions as a senior) and “I'm not in a hury to go, but I try to keep my suitcase packed” (preparing for death by living a life that is pleasing in god's sight). She possessed infinite wisdom and was definitely wise beyond her years. Amelia was preceded in death by her parents Lemuel and Sallie; brothers, Samuel, Frank, Otis, Wilbert, Kemp, Mansy, and Nathaniel; sisters, Emma, Elnora, Ida, and Florence; and grandson, Charles Darrell Dixon. She leaves to celebrate her life: her children, Vecchionia Denise Dixon (Charles), Joseph Ervin Solomon (Carolyn), Sharon Eaton, Wanda Reid (Marvin), Mickey Tabron (Ora), Deborah Tabron, and Steven Tabron; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; a loving and devoted friend, Bettie Thornton; her niece, Sallie; her adopted son, Pastor Timothy Loftin; her dedicated care providers, many nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. Amelia was blessed with a long, loving, and productive life. She touched the lives of many people and will truly be missed. May we all continue to celebrate her legacy of God, Family, Love, and Laughter.

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Amelia G. Tabron

July 31, 1929 - May 5, 2015