Minnie Mack

Minnie Lee Dykes-Mack was born on May 18, 1928, in Stamford, Connecticut. She was the 6th child of twelve children to the late Corinne and Henry Dykes of Orangeburg, South Carolina. On March 21, 2026, after 97 years God called Minnie to spread her heavenly wings. Minnie accepted God at an early age. She was baptized and received the Holy Ghost at Jones Chapel Baptist Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Minnie was raised with strong beliefs that Sunday was God's Day! She was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church for several years, New Gabriel Baptist Church, and the Lighthouse Ministry of Faith. Minnie loved to usher and sing those old southern hymns in the choir. She and her sisters form a gospel group named "The Golden Lights". Minnie grew up during an era when the remnants of slavery were still very much alive. Words can never express the love she had and the sacrifices she made for her family as she conquered the oppressive challenges rained on black people in the south. It is these difficult days that made Minnie the strong, wise, and caring daughter, sister, and mother she became. Minnie had to drop out of school because her mother became too sick to help with everyday chores and provide adequate finances. Thus, Minnie helped provide care for her younger siblings via laborious farm work. In 1947, Minnie married her first love, Franklin Mack, and became the mother of five children. During the 1950's, you would see Minnie with a rag tied around her head and long dresses dragging the ground as she toiled in the hot sun of South Carolina's cotton fields. When her children were old enough, as young as 8, she would pack them into the back of a wagon to take them to the fields to join her. At the end of the day, she would repeatedly say, "Learn to read; learn to write; and learn to count your money." Although their pennies were few, that was money to them, and education was freedom! In the 1960's, life was good. Minnie, along with her husband and five children, moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she began her career in the medical field as a Nursing Assistant. However, in 1968, tragedy struck the family. The love of her life was called home. Minnie was now a widow to her husband, Frank Mack.; But God! God had other plans. Minnie remained steadfast in her faith. In 1978, yet again, Minnie spread her wings. well-prepared for hard work and difficult times, Minnie went back to school while still working, earned a High School Diploma and a Medical Technician Certification, and worked as a medical tech until she retired. Minnie showed her children that all things are possible with faith in God and that they should never forget how to pray. She worked hard enough to send all five of her children to college or technical school, with their help. Minnie was a kind, considerate, gentle, and lovable mother. Minnie loved people, dancing, cooking, traveling, and caring for the sick. In reflection, as the family looks back on where they came from and where they want to go, they can say with a joyful heart... Yeah, though I walk in the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil for thou art with me "Sleep on Mama, Sleep on....... Lie down and take your rest" Juliet & Kenny Minnie leaves to cherish her legacy of Love, Grace and Tenacity: son, Kenny Mack; daughter, Julia Mack-Jefferson; son-in-law, James U. Jefferson, Sr.; brother, Rev. George Dykes, Elsie Dykes wife; Joann Dykes sister-in-laws; granddaughters; Linnile Mitchell, Tiffany Mack, Dara Davis, Myrika Mack, Shalonda Bailey, Soncerae Lawson-Mack; grandsons; Kenny Mack, James, Jr., Jerneal Jefferson; Jervon, John Bailey (Deceased), thirteen great grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Minnie Mack

May 18, 1928 - March 21, 2026