Thelma B. Mackey

God saw the rood was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb. He gently closed my loving eyes and whispered “Peace Be Thine” on Thursday, December 27, 2012. THELMA B. MACKEY, daughter of the late Jim and Selina Bowler, was born on May 29, 1919 in Chester, South Carolina. Her family moved to Baltimore, Maryland where she received her education in the public school system. On November 28, 1936 at the age of seventeen, she married the late Benjamin F. Mackey and out of this union three children were born: Melvina, Benjamin Jr. (deceased) and Ronald. Thelma was baptized into the catholic faith in February, 1959 at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a faithful and dutiful catholic. Thelma was a devout catholic who made certain her children attended Sunday school as well as Catholic school. Even when she was unable to make it to church; every Sunday morning she listened to the Sunday church services on the radio and her gospel hymns. She instilled the love of gospel music in her children. Thelma was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother who continued to work to care for her family after the passing of her husband. For over thirty years she was employed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore as a Cafeteria Manager at Saint Katharine’s School. Thelma had a close and personal relationship with the faculty, staff and students. Thelma made sure no child ever went hungry during her tenure at Saint Katharine’s School. Thelma and her sisters were true entertainers. They never had to have a reason for a celebration and a “toast”. She loved to cook and was an “Iron Chef” before there was such a title. Grandma, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, created a recipe for “Pickled Pork” when her husband had requested barbecue pork. It became a family Christmas tradition. She became well known for that recipe. Thelma was one of a kind. She made many friends wherever she went and was loved by all. In December, 2009 she took up residence at a Genesis Healthcare Facility where she made many friends who fell in love with her and were deeply saddened when they learned she would not be returning. Although her illness made her weak and weary; she was always able to extend an encouraging word to those she loved. She always responded to those who said “I love you” with “I love you more.” Thelma is a great loss to her family and friends and will be surely missed by all. To know her was to love her. She has gone to a better place and the mark she leaves behind will remain in our hearts forever. Thelma was preceded in death by two daughters-in-law, Mae Ellen Mackey and Ann Y. Mackey “Vet” and one grandson, Darryl C. Foster. She leaves to mourn: her daughter, Melvina Mackey Foster; son, Ronald Mackey Sr.; sister, Willie B. Hawkins; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; Yvette Dickens (known as Shirley); nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Thelma B. Mackey

May 29, 1919 - December 27, 2012