Mager Ely, Sr.

Mager Ely Sr. exemplified the epitome of dedication, sacrifice and commitment as a husband, father, and Man of God. Champion to his family, he was a constant representation of faith, hope and trust in God and displayed the importance of devotion and protection of his family. Mager Ely Sr., son of the late Marshall Ely Sr., and Maggie (Kidd) Ely was born in Whatley, Alabama on March 15, 1922. He was the sixth of ten children and was educated in the Clark County School District. As young child, Mager enjoyed traveling with his grandmother (Delli) who was the town midwife. Mager was fascinated about being a part of the process of bringing in new life to the world. The early influence of watching his grandmother and hearing prayers from his father Marshall daily, would later impress Mager to seek his own journey toward another form of new life, which he found through Christ. Brother Ely accepted Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior at an early age and received his new life at Little Rock Baptist Church.

As a young adult, Mager was drafted to serve his country in WWII as a member of the U. S. Navy. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Liberation for 2 years. Going off to war allowed time for Mager to think about the things that were most important to him. He often said that he wasn’t sure if he would make it back home. So, upon his return, he was eager to reconnect with the love of his life Cassie. On November 14, 1945, he was united in Marriage to Cassie Belle (Johnson). As the two pondered what life would look like for them, they decided to move North for employment opportunities. After moving to Pittsburgh, Mager was gained employment at Pittsburgh Steel Foundry later named (Bucyrus-Erie Intl), where he worked for 29 years until he retired. As a man of faith, he and his wife looked to connect with a church where they could serve. As a result, Mager and Cassie joined with the Lily Baptist Church where He served faithfully on the Usher Board, was a member of the Gospel Choir and Male Chorus. He enjoyed church and could be found leading songs such as “Shine on Me” with his faithful sidekick and grandson, Joe. Mager’s love for music manifested each day as he could be heard singing songs and encouraging others to join him. Gospel music was his favorite. After decades of serving, Brother Ely later moved His Membership to King of Kings Baptist Ministries.

Not long after retirement, Brother Ely began his true life’s assignment and his dedication to his family was unmatched. Mager faithfully and tirelessly was the caregiver to his beloved son Mitchell and his devoted wife for over two decades. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Mager sacrifice each day to serve his family and he did it without complaining. The only time he would ask for help would be for him to go to church. Mager was a loving, caring father who tried to impart these qualities of dedication to family and serving God to his children. As the old hymn says, “May the work I’ve done, speak for me.”

On August 4, 2020, Our Beloved Patriarch was Summoned Home to Be with the Lord. We will truly miss him wheeling around in his wheelchair praying and singing all day down here. Mager was preceded in death by his wife Cassie, his son Mitchell, his grandson Michael, and great grandson Deandre.

Left with precious memories are his children, Irma Robinson, Majer Jr., Betty (Melvin) Turner, Barbara Cathie, Laura McKoy, Lisa Ely, (18) Grandchildren: (28) Great Grandchildren (16) Great, Great Grandchildren