A Celebration of Life for Mazie Williams Baker

Mazie Granada Williams was born on February 7, 1936, in Miami, Florida. She was the only child of Flora Mae Mathis Williams and Elijah Williams; and grew up in the tight knit community of Overtown in the city of Miami. She was surrounded by family and friends who shaped her into a compassionate and strong individual. As a child, Mazie accepted Christ and became a member of St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church at a very young age. Throughout her life, she displayed an unwavering dedication to her family, her community, her faith, and her profession. Mazie was a proud graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1953 and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Mathematics from Bethune-Cookman College (University), Class of 1957 Mazie pledged the Gamma Tau chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated. She continued her education by achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Meharry Medical College, Class of 1960. Mazie was the first in her extended family to graduate from college and was a strong example for her younger family members. While at Meharry Medical College, Mazie and her classmates were impacted by the bombing of Civil Rights Attorney, Z. Alexander Lubin's home (which was in the proximity of Meharry's cafeteria and dental school). The blast damaged windows in the cafeteria and dormitory; and, caused minor injuries to some of the residents on campus. Mazie also experienced her dormitory being searched for bombs after threats were made against the school. Never one to sit on the sidelines, Mazie became heavily involved in civil rights. She was honored to be part of activism led by the civil rights leader and late Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jk, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). She participated in stand-ins, protest marches, and boycotts in downtown Nashville. Mazie spent her entire career as a nurse in Miami, Florida. She served as a staff nurse, and then Director of Nursing at Christian Hospital (the only Colored hospital in segregated Miami. Then, she was among the first cohort of nurses trained to work in intensive care unit at Mount Sinai Hospital on Miami Beach. She transitioned from hospital nursing to work as a home health nurse until retirement in 1995. Mazie was known throughout Miami for the compassionate care she provided to the elderly. Mazie regularly made time to contribute to her community and taught her children by example about the importance of kindness, generosity, and serving the less fortunate. She left an indelible mark on those around her by serving as an active member of the Booker T. Washington High School Alumni Class of 1953, the Retired Employees Transit Coalition Organization, and the Tri-Community Homeowners Association. Mazie found her greatest satisfaction in contributing to the lives of her church family. As a life member of St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday School teacher, Deaconess, and member of the Hospitality Ministry, New Member Orientation, Miami Rescue Mission Ministry and Phyllis Wheatley Senior Citizen Bible Study She also founded and chaired the Religious Action Committee Ministry in 1967 a testament to her belief that "faith without works is dead"James 2:20). Even after retirement, Mazie's nursing background coupled with her concern for the elderly and disabled would continue to shape many of her contributions to her church family. She was the Founder and Chairperson of the Disability Awareness Ministry for many years. She founded and chaired the Elevator Project from 1989 to 1997. For instance, members collected aluminum cans and she sold avocados from her trees to fund the elevator project. In the later years of their lives, Mazie and her husband joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as a Mother of the Church. Mazie enjoyed and loved to fellowship with her church family. Mazie Williams Baker, age 89, passed away after a long illness. Mazie lived a life filled with warmth, resilience, and love. She is survived by her h u s b a n d of 63 years, Robert; a n d their children, Robert (Shvawn), Ronald (Charmaine), Russell, and Rosalyn; seven grandchildren, Ronald Jr; Isaiah, Robert Louis, Ryan, Joy, Zoey, and Riley; and cousins who comforted her in later years, Renita Ross Samuels-Dixon (Leon), Clifford Ross, Jr, and the late Hattie Hughey Jackson Families. Left also to mourn are a host of relatives and friends.