Margaret Elizabeth Mears

MARGARET ELIZABETH MEARS, was quietly called home to be with her Lord on Saturday, March 28, 2009, after a brief illness.Margaret E. Mears, daughter of the late Ervin G. and Mary Pratt Elliott, was born on January 26,1917 in Baltimore, Maryland. She moved to Orange, New Jersey after the death of her mother and was raised by her aunt and uncle. Margaret accepted Christ at an early age, and she spent numerous years as a Sunday school teacher at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Orange, New Jersey. Margaret received her formative education in Orange, New Jersey where she graduated from Orange High School in 1935.She returned to Baltimore in 1936 at nineteen years old. As a young woman Margaret lived an exciting life working at various clubs in Baltimore. Margaret’s work allowed her to meet some of the jazz legends of our generations such as Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughn and the Mills Brothers. Margaret has a passion for music and she enjoyed dancing, believing she could dance. In 1953, Margaret fell in love and married the late Melvin M. Mears. They stayed together for thirty-six years of devotion and commitment in raising four children, Barry Elliott, Cornel Elliott, Tamara Brown and Jacqueline Johnson, who preceded her in death.In 1965, Margaret went to work at Maryland General Hospital as a Nurse Aide where she worked for 19 years before retiring. She truly enjoyed her work and the friendships made during her time at Maryland General. Margaret was a thoughtful, caring person who never forgot other persons birthdays or special occasions. She was also a uniquely loving person who was extremely independent and devoted to her family and friends. She enjoyed attending family affairs, trips to Atlantic City and good conversation. She had a generosity of spirit that touched everyone she met producing a multi-generational group of friends.Margaret leaves to cherish her memory: three beloved children, Barry, Cornel and Tamara; two daughters-in-law, Renea Elliott and Lillian Elliott; six grandchildren, Erik Brown, John Elliott, Jamal Elliott, Marc Claggett, Michael Claggett and Jacqueline Elliott; ten great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Marva Smith and Phyllis Eley; two dear life-long friends, Mary Robinson and Diane Ashburn; and a host of nieces, nephews, other friends and relatives.Margaret is preceded in death by her brothers and sisters Daniel Clifton Smith, Floried Parks, Clarence Smith and Constance D. Higgins.

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Margaret Elizabeth Mears

January 26, 1917 - March 28, 2009