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MERLE SPARROW GAITHER was born on March 29, 1936 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Charles and Alice Sparrow. Merle was one of thirteen children. As a young girl, Merle accepted Christ as her personal Savior at Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church under the leadership of Reverend Theodore C. Jackson, Sr. MOMMY’S FAVORITE QUOTE: “I am your mother; you are not mine!” Who am I? I am a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Nurturer, Discipliner, Accountant, Chef, Doctor, Nurse, Caregiver, CNA, Bingo Queen, Gambler, Entertainer, Actress, Comedian and a Safe Haven, for those who were without. As a young girl I had a love for children. In 1952, I met the man of my dreams, Eugene Howard Gaither, whom I affectionately called “Butter Balls”. He was the “reddish” cat on the corners of Fairmount Avenue and Stricker Street. That love blossomed into being a mother of Fourteen children. I was a proud Mom of four boys and ten girls. Our union was that of any other marriage. We had good times and bad times, but they were our times and we loved each other. When Butter Balls passed in 1997, I became a different woman, on my own with a new attitude! My children and grandchildren were the apples of my eyes and yes, I had favorites, but I loved them all the same. I loved when my children and grandchildren called me for advice. I was their therapist, numerologist, on demand cookbook and dream interpreter. There was nothing that I wouldn’t do for my family. I travelled, went on cruises, bus trips to the casinos, and enjoyed grabbing big scratch off tickets from the local corner stores, I had a wonderful life and good times. My children and grandchildren honored me with many celebrations. I loved when my children would accompany me to church on Mother’s Day, and they made sure I had a new hat! In 2014, my life was changed forever. My health declined and I was diagnosed with Dementia. This diagnosis impacted my life, and I was no longer an independent woman. I started a new chapter with the support of my children and family members, I was matched with a wonderful caregiver, Queen Hardy. She cared for me, provided me with a safe environment where I made new friends. We would attend Adult Daycare together, to give Queenie a break from our mischief. They didn’t talk much, we enjoyed watching tv together but somehow, they would forget that I wanted to watch the Price Is Right or my Stories. They misunderstood some of my jokes for acts of violence. What can I say, I’m straightforward and at times misunderstood. Even though my memory failed me at times, I always felt loved by my family and my taste buds never failed me. Some of you should have been paying more attention in the kitchen while I was cooking. By the way, I’m still looking for my Bible and I know one of you has it! Always remember, I love all my children. On February 7, 2022, I received my biggest reward, I told you, I was going to hit big one day, I have moved on to Glory to be with my Lord. Obituary Merle was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Sr., and children, Marvin, Eugene Jr., Venessa, Rosaline, Mary, Dwight and Jennifer. Merle L. Sparrow Gaither leaves to cherish her memory: seven children, Oscar, Valerie, Merle, Regina, Annette, Wendy and Tracy; two daughters-in-law, Medina and Veronica; two sons-in law, Peter and Charles 2nd; 34 grandchildren; 80 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; two siblings, Reverend Cynthia Harvin and Warren Sparrow; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Tributes

Merle L. Gaither

March 29, 1936 - February 7, 2022