Mrs. Mary M. Cantrell

Mary M. Cantrell was born on May 28, 1914 to the union of Sullivan Turner and Ellen Kingston in Belle Mina, Alabama. Mother Cantrell received her formal education in Birmingham, Alabama and excelled in her studies at Parker High School. Mother Cantrell accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a young age. She was' a member of Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama for 72 years. She served as the Vice President of the Usher Board for over 50 years. Mother Mary enjoyed studying the Word of God and faithfully attended Sunday School. She was blessed to have the Pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church Pastor Winfred Thomas travel to Milwaukee in 2014 to share in her 100th Birthday Celebration. In 2003, she joined Christian Faith Fellowship Church under the leadership of Bishop Darrell Hines and Pastor Pamela Hines. Mother Mary loved CFFC and being in the presence of God with God's people. Her love for her church was demonstrated in her devoted service to the Mother's Board. She was the oldest member of Christian Faith Fellowship Church. Mother Mary was united in holy matrimony with Jewel Cantrell on August 9, 1953. She was employed by Forstmann Department Store downtown Birmingham where she worked in food service for many years. In her leisure she enjoyed traveling with family and friends, she has visited Hawaii, Canada and the Bahamas and many other cities and states; she particularly enjoyed visiting Chicago in her earlier years. Mother was an excellent cook and took pride in her flower gardens at her home. For many years she was a member of the Golden Girls Club at Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church. For the 12 years she has been in Milwaukee, Wisconsin she remained in contact with some members of the group. Below are a few interesting facts about Mother Mary: • She was very active until three weeks ago, she last attend church service at CFFC in October and went out for dinner after service. She also recently went to the theater to see the movie "War Room". • She was often asked, what was her secret to her longevity?" She would respond with, "Love and trust God and treat everyone right." • Mother Mary received many birthday acknowledgements from many elected officials to include President Barack Obama, Governor Scott Walker- Wisconsin, Governor Robert Bentley-Alabama, Congresswomen Gwen Moore, Senator Tammy Baldwin, House of Representative-State of Alabama, Mayor Tom Barrett-Milwaukee, WI, Mayor William A. Bell, Sr.- Birmingham, AL, Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, Office of the City Council-Birmingham, Alabama. • She participated in the Civil Rights movement while-living in downtown Birmingham and often shared stories with her family about what she witnessed and endured during those times. • She was a wonderful neighbor and teacher to those around her and she helped to raise many children and was loved by all. Mother Mary Cantrell peacefully departed this life on Sunday, November 15,2015 in the company of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sullivan Turner and Ellen Kingston; husband, Jewel Cantrell; son, Andrew Cantrell; sister, Henrietta Handy; and brothers, James Hicks, Alex Bailey, Clay Brown and Curley Brown. She leaves to cherish her memory 9 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, 22 great-great nieces and nephews and 7 great, great, great nieces and nephews, God daughter, Juanita Pinkston and family of Homewood, IL; Special friend, Mother Christine Jackson; Sisters-in-law, Mary Hicks, Barbara Bailey and Inez Brown; devoted niece and caregiver, Betty Mitchell; Cantrell Family of Birmingham, AL and numerous friends all of whom she loved dearly.

Mrs. Mary M. Cantrell

May 28, 1914 - November 15, 2015