Torricella Mason

Her radiant smile, her enrapturing grace, These are memories that cannot be erased.For those who serve the Lord, will see her again,Over in Glory with God, our Heavenly King!In the quietness of the late morning, God, our Father, dispatched an angel to the Mary View Medical Center, in Portsmouth, Virginia and brought unto Himself, our beloved “ Mackie.” Se slipped away from this life and crossed over in Glory, at 11:52 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2003.Mackie was the last child born to the late James, Sr. and the late Hester Tillery, on May 23, 1948 here in Baltimore. Like her brothers and sisters before her, Mackie received her formal education in the local schools, in East Baltimore and culminated her studies at the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.Her parents raised her and her siblings in the protestant faith, at the Faith Baptist Church of East Baltimore, where she and her sisters sang God’s praises, in the church choirs. The girls also shared their beautiful voices by singing at other churches and numerous events, around the city.Mackie is best remembered for the radiant smile that she always greeted you with. Her sweet manner was so infectious that regardless of the problem, she was always able to help you see the positive side. She loved all of her family, and the younger family members adored their Aunt Mackie. Also, she enjoyed life and this joy was shared with all who knew her, “For to know Mackie was to love Mackie!”Mackie and her first and late husband George Johnson taught their daughter Donnella to love the Lord and to follow His teachings. They also instilled in “ Donnie” the importance of family and friends. Their home was always opened to all those in need and it was the site of many wonderful celebrations. Mackie and George were professional caterers and very talented florists. They were also amateur carpenters and remodelers. When you visited their home, there was usually some remodeling project in progress. No one was ever surprised to find a wall knocked out and a new room created or to see the latest styles in wall coverings or carpet. For this reason, Mackie’s dear friend, “Edey.” Nicknamed them, “Hammer and Nails!” Also Mackie loved dogs and cats, and their home was a refuge for many.

Tributes

Torricella Mason

May 23, 1948 - February 12, 2003