April 2013 Living Legend

Preston H. Stewart

Preston H. Stewart, 74, husband of the late Carrie E. Stewart served in the United States Army for 2 years before leaving service to help his mom with their family by finding a job. He is the father of 2, grandfather of 2 and great-grandfather of 4 and adopted grandfather by many. During his wife’s illness, he opted out for early retirement to be able to take care of her at home until her passing in 2005. He retired from Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point in 2001 after 34 years of employment. 

Through the years he has been a major support to his children and his grandchildren, raising one granddaughter as his own.  At times when he would be laid off in the past, he would drive cabs and do odd jobs to maintain the household.  He lives the motto: Love God, family and others.

His hobbies include reading, fishing, cooking, walking, grilling and landscaping.  He is known in his neighborhood as the man with the pretty yard.  He is an active member of The Parklane Baptist Church where he is a Trustee and a member of the Culinary Committee. If there is a repast, banquet or any other Culinary function you will find him in the kitchen non-stop in his chef’s hat and apron.

He is a Living Legend not only because of what he has done and continues to do for the family and his friends, but also by instilling in us his love for Christ.

Congratulate him below!

March 2013 Living Legend

SADIE ROSE WILLIAMS

Nominated by Ashley Williams

My grandmother Sadie R. Williams, wife of 48 years to the late Harold Williams Sr., mother of 4, grandmother of 18 and great-grandmother of 11; has always been our Rock. As spiritual mother and mentor she’s always willing to go above and beyond to brighten someone’s day. She was a skilled cosmetologist and salon owner for 40 years and still enjoys servicing faithful clients, though retired. Over the years, she has provided hair services to many for little to no cost in order to be a blessing to them. For several years, she was a member of the gospel singing group, “The Zionettes” and loved traveling and ministering.

She’s a dedicated member of Springs of Refreshing Fellowship Church where she serves as president of the usher board and hospitality department. My grandmother has taught me what it means to be a loyal servant of God in many capacities and to never give up on him. Despite the many obstacles in her life, she has always managed to stay the course and keep the faith, inspiring me to do the same. I have always admired, adored and appreciated this virtuous woman of God, who has given so much of herself to ensure the happiness of others. She loves cooking big meals, interior decorating and making everyone feel welcome into her home. At 77 years of age, she never fails to be an extraordinary mother, grandmother and friend.

I love my grandmother, my angel, my living legend.

Congratulate Sadie below!

February Living Legend: Mary Catherine Colbert

Mary Catherine Colbert is a member of Asbury Broadneck United Methodist Church in Annapolis, MD. She has served her church as the church lay leader, a lay speaker and a Sunday School Teacher. But most of us know her as a staunch proponent for education. A former teacher for a local Christian school, and currently a teacher at In Faith Christian School, Miss Catherine has taught both in the church and the community. She instilled in her students a sense of pride and confidence that motivated many of them to continue their education beyond high school. Many of her former students are now adults and young adults, now serving the church and their community as doctors, nurses and teachers.

Miss Catherine insisted all of her students respect each other. Students that could not get along or might have acted out in her classroom were subject to a session with her, learning the importance of valuing and respecting each other. The person unfortunate enough to re- offend knew they would face a more stringent sanction, but it would be applied with grace.

She has spiritually nurtured all of us, but especially those that were called to ministry. As our spiritual mother she ensured that we recognized the tremendous responsibility of being called to serve God. Miss Catherine proofed our written work and refused to accept anything less than our best efforts.

A mother of ten, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother, and church mother to countless others Miss Catherine is loved by all.

Congratulate her in the comments section below!

Living Legend Bishop E. A. Mangum

Bishop E. A. Mangum is a servant of God.  She loves people and has always been willing to aide others.  Bishop Mangum is an angel sent by God to serve.

This woman, after surviving a flood and a fire, was empowered to raise her seven children alone.  In addition, she had to take on the responsibility of raising her five (5) siblings.  After the flood and fire, Bishop Mangum relocated her family to Maryland.  She did not allow the difficult hand life had handed her to keep her down.  While taking care of her children and siblings, she attended night school at Douglass High School where she earned her GED.  She pursued her nursing career for over thirty years and is a retired nurse.  Bishop Mangum had a desire to help people and it is this desire that lead her to build a nursing home where she was able to provide care for people in need.  She has and continues to feed the needy and to provide shelter for those in need for over fifty (50) years.

Living Legend Ophelia Brown

Submitted by Dianna Lake

"Ophelia Brown, our selfless matriarch Mommy, Mom, and Nana triumphing from breast cancer in 2010 leads a cancer-free life that encouraged and turned lives around as she ministered from her Oncologist to the coffee cart man throughout treatments, still ministering today. On October 3, she celebrated 75 years of life."

- Dianna Lake

Congragulate Ophelia in the comments section below!