The Obituary

MARY ETHER GETHERS was born on June 8, 1927 in

Walterboro, SC. She was the first of eight children born to

Samuel and Beatrice Gethers. Soon after her birth, the family

moved to Philadelphia, PA where they became active and

devoted members at Ward A.M.E Church.

In her youth, Mary was active in Sunday school and sang in

the choir with her glorious Soprano voice. While at home, she

was very helpful as the eldest sister caring for her seven

younger siblings who looked up to her. Mary gave her best to

whatever she put her mind to. She was an avid reader, played

the piano, loved to sing, sew, and take long walks during her

spare time.

At the tender age of 14 Mary befriended James E. Miles in

the cradle of a loving community at Ward A.M.E. Church. Their

partnership and bond grew throughout the years. On Saturday,

August 30, 1947 Mary joined her teenage beau, James, in loving

matrimony. Their marriage was cultivated and watered by God's

love and flourished into a lifelong commitment that lasted over

76 years! Mary and James's union birthed Janet and James Jr.,

five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

As the years progressed, Mary welcomed many nieces,

nephews, and cousins into her heart and established her place

as matriarch of the Gethers family. She took on this mantle with

great pride and dedication; always willing and happy to offer

her love, encouragement, time and resources in support of her

family.

Mary was ambitious, and she availed herself to education all

throughout her life. She attended Martha Washington

Elementary and West Philadelphia High School. Upon

graduation she was employed by the Frankford Arsenal and the

Signal Corps. Later on she joined the Defense Personnel

Support Center, where she served as a Small and Disadvantaged

Business Specialist for over 33 years. And while she was

employed full-time and raising her children, Mary earned a

Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Temple

University. At her retirement, she received an Outstanding

Employee Award from the Department of Defense.

In retirement, Mary took on a second love as a travel agent.

She organized dream vacations, getaways, and cruises for her

clients, family, and friends. Mary enjoyed traveling all over the

country and to several international destinations such as Sierra

Leone, Europe, South Africa, South America, Australia, and

Israel.

Mary was a woman of elegance, humility, and grace who had

the special gift of public speaking. She always knew exactly

what to say to uplift, comfort and encourage others. Outside of

family and work Mary was a 32-year member of the

International Training in Communication Club (ITC) where she

was able to help youth and adults develop their communication

and organization skills. Mary was also a charter member of the

Ward Federal Credit Union, served as a local and district

Sunday School Superintendent, a Vice chair of the Ward A.M.E

Board of Stewards, a member of the Charlotte Wright Missionary

Society, and Ward Lay Organization, all of which attest to her

love for service in God's vineyard. One of Mary's favorite

scriptures, that she lived by, was Philippians 4:13 "I can do all

things through Christ, who strengthens me".

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and

Beatrice Gethers; siblings Elgie, John Earl, Samuel Jr., Solomon

and Lucille; and her husband James E. Miles Sr.

In celebration of her life, Mary leaves her children Janet

(William) and James Jr.; grandchildren Shana, John Earl

(Shannon), Marian, Sonati, and Edwin (Tyraia); greatgrandchildren

LaShe, Samantha, Gabrielle and Shaniya; sisters

Gloria and Roselen; and a host of Sisters-in-love, Brothers-inlove,

Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Godchildren and Friends. May

her soul find rest in her Savior's love and her rich legacy live on

in us all.