- Date Of Birth: September 16, 1922
- Date Of Death: September 25, 2012
- State: Maryland
Mary Ellen Nicholson
Born: September 16, 1922, at Freedmen’s Hospital (which is now called Howard University Hospital), in Washington, DC
Father: William Dennis Young (Deceased)
Mother: Annie Gray Young (Deceased)
Sisters: Thelma E. Wilkes and Anna L. Wiley (Deceased)
Brother: William Dennis Young, Jr
Education: Attended public schools in Washington, DC
Employed: As a Family Caretaker for prominent lawyers in the Washington, DC, area.
Mary Ellen Young and Wade Nicholson met in 1957, while she worked as a Family Caretaker, and he was a U.S. Postal worker. During their courtship, Mary joined Bibleway Temple Church which was founded by Bishop Smallwood E. Williams, during which time she gave her life to God. Shortly thereafter, Wade followed his soon to be wife and gave his life to God. In 1962, Wade and Mary united in Holy Matrimony. Mary Nicholson and Wade by her side, in 1963, help start Little Rock Bibleway Church of Christ founded by Bishop Arthur L. Pressley.
As a member of Little Rock for 49 years, Mary Nicholson held many positions such as: President of the Senior Missionaries, President of the Usher Board, Senior Choir Director, and Director/Co-Founder of the children’s choir known as The Rosebuds, md a singer for the Rock of Ages lead by Sister Ida Heath.
Mary loved to crochet, do macramé and make dolls. More than ever Mary loved to sing. Anytime you saw Mary, she was singing to the Lord and praising His name. She truly had a beautiful voice!
Mary Nicholson was loved by everyone and carried the titles to show: she was “Mama” to Wade, “Big Mama” to her foster children, “Auntie Mary” to her nieces and nephews, and “Mother Nicholson” to her church. She remained steadfast for her love of God and sang his praise until the end. Mary Nicholson will truly be missed.
On Tuesday, September 25, 2012, Mary Ellen Nicholson was called Home. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Wade Nicholson, three foster children, Karen Wright (deceased), Christopher Ludd-Peebles (Christina), Dymon Morgan, four grandchildren. Seven sisters-in-law, Ruth Thomas (deceased), Edith Laham (John), Victoria Trotman, Margret Browder, Mamie Neal (John), Helen Roberts, Ida Nicholson, two brothers-in-law, Rhett and George Nicholson (deceased). Two God-children, Laquetta Battle-Vandervort, Andrea Grooms, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews, and other relatives and friends.
