Anabel Mason Rawlings

Anabel Mason Rawlings was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 20,1930. She was the youngest of six children born to the late James Calvin And Maggie Glass Mason. She was called to the loving arms of God Almighty on April 6,2008 at the home of her beloved son in Dallas, Texas.Anabel was raised in a Christian home and was baptized in and attended Ames Memorial United Methodist Church during her youth. "Cootah" as she was affectionately called was very involved in Sunday school,Vacation Bible School and the Youth Activities within the church. She received her formal education in the Baltimore Public School System. After graduating from Frederick Douglass High School, she continued her education and graduated from Coppin State College in 1952. Initially a kindergarten teacher, 'Bel' found her calling as a school Librarian, a duty which she performed faithfully until her retirement in 1983.On June 7,1953, Anabel married Marsden E. Rawlings in Baltimore Maryland. In a memorable moment as the newlywed couple stood on the platform of Penn Station awaiting the train that would take them on their honeymoon, the entire wedding party formmed a circle and serenaded them. The stirring rendition of Max Bygraves 'The Whiff n Poof Song' brought the bustling Penn Station to a complete standstill. From this union a beautiful son, Marsden Keith Rawlings was born.As two happy people, Anabel and Marsden, or as they will forever be known 'Bel and Pic', traveled the world extensively. Numerous cruises, trips to the Caribben, Alaska and Europe all pale in comparison to the night they waltzed in the streets of Vienna, Austria.Anabel loved working in the church and after her marriage she joined Trinity Presbyterian Church where she remained a member until her death. At Trinity, she searved in many capacities. She was a deacon, a founding member of the Food Pantry, A member of the Flower Circle and the Presbyterian Women's Club.As a socialite, Anabel was without peer in the Baltimore metropolitan area. She entertained her friend's royally and maintained memberships in numerous social clubs. She was a member of the Baltimore Mole, the Epicureans, the MGs, the Bridge Buddies and the Birthday Girls.Albeit an educator, church worker and socialite, Anabel, above all, loved her family. The sound of her "hey ba-by... how's my good buddy?" always brought a smile to her family and friends. Her dry wit and comical inerplay with Marsden always left the room laughing and never, ever bored. Most recently the exploits of her grandchildren Renata Afi and Michael Jamel filled her with pride as she recounted their fantastic educational accomplishments and life experiences. She was a proud 'Nana' to say the least.It is one person however that was Anabel's world. Her son Keith is and will forever be the love of her life. To see the two of them together was to see love in its purest form. Though she tried to be modest in lauding his professional and personal accomplishments, it was impossible for her not to beam with pride at the sight of her son. She was his mother, his confidante and his friend.Anabel is survived by her devoted husbandand best friendof 55 years Marsden, her son Dr. M. Keith Rawlings of Dallas TX, two grandchildren, Renata Afi Rawlings, a doctorail candidate in Bio Physics at the University of Michigan and Michael Jamal Rawlings, a sophomore majoring in Applied Physics And Engineering at Morehouse College, a sister, Lilyan M. Nottingham and a host of nieces and nephews.

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Anabel Mason Rawlings

June 20, 1930 - April 6, 2008