Memorial Trees
S
Skeet
September 08, 2024
C
Cousin Johnny
September 05, 2024
Memorial trees planted for:
Mary Nazareth
<p>On June 23, 1938, the earth was blessed as Mary Lou Winston was born. She was the daughter of John Winston Sr. and Mary Smith in Fayetteville, North Carolina.</p><p><br></p><p>As a child, Mary Lou Winston, was educated in the Fayetteville School System before moving north to Paterson, NJ along with her mother. They became members of the New Christian Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Roger L. Douglas.</p><p><br></p><p>Mary Lou married and later divorced William Roosevelt Nazareth. In her adulthood, as a single mother, Mary Nazareth began her work with the Paterson Task Force where she assisted low-income families in receiving much needed resources. After completing all of the requirements and receiving her certification, she later gained employment at what was then known as Paterson General Hospital (Wayne General), as an operating room technician. Mary strived daily to build a better life for herself and her children whom she loved dearly and deeply.</p><p><br></p><p>Several years later, Mary became a dedicated member of Grace Gospel Church under the leadership of Reverend William H. Butler. She was blessed as a 1st soprano soloist and choir member. Over the years she constantly received invitations to minister in song at many churches, organizations, and businesses. She was even invited to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera House which she declined, keeping the well-being of her children at the forefront of her priorities. Mary has recorded as a dramatic soprano soloist and has performed in concerts throughout New York and New Jersey, giving God the glory and praise.</p><p><br></p><p>Mary Lou attended William Paterson College (University) where she earned her Bachelor Degree in Social Studies within two years. During that time she served as the president of the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society and she also earned her substitute teacher certification for secondary education.</p><p><br></p><p>She began substitute teaching at Eastside High School in Paterson. After receiving her teaching certificate she went on to teach Social Studies in Paterson at Martin Luther King School, Public School No 7 and Public School No 4. Although she taught Social Studies, Reading was her passion so she required her students to read daily and always made connections to our history, Black History.</p><p><br></p><p>Mary continued her studies at William Paterson, receiving her Masters Degree in Anthropology in the spring of 1983. In that same year, she was admitted to the Theological School of Drew University where she earned her Masters of Divinity degree. Reverend Nazareth was called to shepherd and lead as the pastor of the United Methodist Church in Orange, New Jersey.</p><p><br></p><p>After 35+ years of teaching, Mary retired from the Paterson Public School System however she continued as the pastor of the United Methodist Church for several years before retiring from that calling as well. Be that as it may, she never stopped ministering, encouraging, and inspiring her students, congregants, children, grand and great grandchildren to be their best selves as God had created them to be. She led by example!</p><p><br></p><p>Mary was preceded in transition by two of her six children, Denise and William (Billy) Nazareth, sister Josephine McClure and brothers Charles, John Jr. and James Winston.</p><p><br></p><p>Mary leaves to cherish precious memories her daughters, Gwen Nazareth-DeLeon and Patricia Clarke; sons, Brian Nazareth and Michael (Gail) Nazareth; sisters, Joann Crawford, Patricia Flippin, Alice Winston; stepsister, Joyce Bowden, and sister-in-law, Ethel (James) Bethea; brother, Robert A. Smith; eighteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>June 23, 1938 - September 3, 202406/23/193809/03/2024
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