Mother Mae Frances (Pearson) March

February 16, 1947 - November 14, 2020

Mother Mae Frances (Pearson) March, age 73, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY, along with the love and prayers of her family. She was born in Utica, NY on February 16, 1947 to the late Herman and Mary (Pearson) Murphy. She graduated from Utica Free Academy and worked at St. Luke’s Hospital (MVHS) for over 40 years in Nutrition Services. She was a long-time dedicated member of St. Matthew’s Temple COGIC for over 50 years. Mother March was active in the choir and YWCC; she worked very diligently throughout the years as a faithful member in the church. She humbly served as the assistant to Church Mother Upshaw, and later she was appointed by Rev. J.L. Griffin to serve as the Church Mother. Mother March was dedicated in her service as the Church Mother for 20 years and she served in her position until the Lord called her from labor to reward. Mother March had a great love for Rev. J.L. and Lady Griffin and the congregation of St. Matthew’s Temple COGIC. Mother March loved to cook, and she was known for making the “best fried chicken and caramel cake in town”. Mother March loved to shop, especially for her church suits and hats and accessories. She was happily married for 52 years to the love of her life, Deacon Joseph March. They have one daughter, Rena who Mother March affectionately called “Baby Girl”. Mother March and Rena had a very special bond, and a very special relationship beyond mother and daughter. Rena was one of Mother March’s greatest joys. When Rena got married, Mother March loved her son-in-law, Leroy like a son. Even though Mother March took great joy in her daughter and son-in-law, she was head over heels with her grandchildren. She adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them any and every chance she got. She was a very proud grandmother. She also shared a very special relationship with her baby sister, Joanne with whom she talked daily and shopped with frequently. A special thanks to her niece, Missionary Mary Brown for preparing meals and personal nursing care, and to her niece, Gladys Newton “Cookie” who was known to prepare special meals for Mother March. She also leaves a lifelong friend, Mother Emma Tucker. A special thanks to Missionary Darlene Mack-Brown who was always there to give Mother March “Tender Loving Care”. Her loving memory will forever remain in the hearts of her devoted and loving husband, Joseph; her daughter and son-in-law, Rena and Minister Leroy Williams II of Binghamton; her grandchildren, LeRoy “Poopaman” Williams III, and Reah “Sissy” Williams; and her godchildren, Vonnise Humphries, A. J. Newton, Jaylon McKinsey, and Annah Burgees. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Larry (Debbie) Pearson of Rochester, NY, and her sister, Joanne Buchanon of Utica; many nieces, nephews, cousins; sisters-in-law, Queen Williams, Ida Samuel, and Lena Johnson; brothers-in-law, Jerry March, and Charles March; and a host of nieces and nephews, friends, and her church family. Mother March will also be remembered by co-workers, medical staff and caregivers at MVHS (hospital, dialysis and nursing home). Mother March was predeceased by her parents, Herman Murphy, and Mary (Pearson) Murphy; her sisters and brothers, Willie Mae Voss, William Voss, Mosella Gray, and James Murphy; and her in-laws, R.T. and Mamie S. Barnes, Lula Belle Green, Carrie McCloud, and Boysie March. Visitation for Mother Mae Frances March will be held on Thursday, November 19th from 11:00 – 12:15 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Due to current restrictions, we will be operating at a reduced occupancy. We ask for your patience as we try to accommodate those coming to support the March family. Mother March’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday afternoon at 12:30 at the funeral home upon conclusion of visitation. Face masks are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Mother March’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.