Wilbert Lee Mason, Sr

WILBERT L. MASON SR., son of the late Wendell and Ethel Mason, was born on May 18, 1940, in Matthews County, Virginia. He departed this life on December 6th, after a lengthy illness. Wilbert, “Bubby,” was the youngest of two boys. His older brother, Raymond Mason preceded him in death. He was educated in the Virginia School system before finding his way to New York in his teens, where he met Pauline Hogue, “Lene.” Although, always a Mason, he truly became a brother to Pauline's five brothers Kelsey, Isham (Ikey), Thurman, Charles, and Ronald, and two sisters Jeanette, and Rose, who all preceded him in death. Wilbert Mason Sr. married Pauline on February 14, 1959, the love of his life. From that union four children were born, Leah Mason (Grant) and Wilbert Mason, Jr. His two children, William Mason, and Sandra Mason (Brooks) preceded him in death. In 1968, Wilbert left his employment at Midas Auto in New York for a better opportunity for himself and his family at General Motors Corporation in Baltimore. While living in Baltimore, Wilbert and Pauline made sure their children remained close to their families by making holiday and summer trips to New York. and yearly trips to Virginia. Wilbert was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing with his late son-in-law, Michael. If you needed to find him, he was surely to be on the boat with his brothers in Christ. He would hold fish fry's and barbeques for family and friends and was the ultimate griller. When not on the grill, he would enjoy watching westerns. or drinking coffee with one of his closest friends, Uncle Lou. He loved to work on construction projects in his home, churches, and community. Later in life, Wilbert welcomed his youngest daughter Tyra Mason into the world. They reconnected and she was included and embraced by the family. Wilbert served at The Second Antioch Baptist Church as an usher and a choir member before becoming an ordained Deacon at the Blessed Baptist Church of God in 2003. Wilbert later became the Head Deacon, key holder, and maintenance man for his church, who did everything in his power to help keep the church together. Wilbert was known for his solo, “God Specializes” and his duet with his wife, “May the Work I've Done Speak for Me.” Their songs were loved every time they performed. God called Wilbert to serve under Reverend Andre Briscoe at the St. Matthew's New Life United Methodist Church, where he served until his passing. Wilbert was a faithful servant of God and made sure he was on the Glory Train line every Monday and Wednesday with his daughter Leah, and his Brotherhood meeting every other Tuesday, both under the direction of Elder Sherman. Wilbert's children were his life and meant the world to him. He had a special bond with each of them. Leah, his firstborn, was his protector and kept a daily watchful eye on him making sure all his needs were met. Wilbert Jr., his only son, made sure to visit every weekend for market and pharmacy runs and any chores that were needed around the house. His youngest daughter Tyra made sure she checked on him daily. There was not a day that passed where they didn't communicate with each other. Wilbert had a special bond with each of his great-grandchildren and was a caretaker and day care provider for all of them. He took special care of his oldest granddaughter Leah and oldest great- granddaughter Kamran who called him “dad.” . Wilbert joins Pauline and leaves to cherish his precious memory: three children, Leah, Wilbert Jr. (Annette), and Tyra; one son-in- law, Richard; fourteen grandchildren, Leah, Antwan (Antoinette), Andre, Tamara (Kenneth), Paul Michael (Sharita), Jacqueline, William “Dontae” (Asia), Darlita, Jamaal, Chase, Sheena, William, Kenneth and LaShanna; twenty-two great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; one God daughter, Jeanette; along with a host of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. He also has an adopted daughter Denise, three granddaughters Latasha, Syreeta, and Deanna and one grandson Derek that will also cherish his memory.

Tributes

Wilbert Lee Mason, Sr

May 18, 1940 - December 6, 2023