Biography: Mary Francis Gadson, also affectionately known as Momsie, Mare, grandma, sis, shorty, sugar mama and so much more. A firecracker was born on June 28th, 1944 and set ablaze on a journey of love, life and laughter. The fire that she once started has come to a sudden halt as she has transitioned to her final home with our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus on July 12th, 2020. Always strong in her faith to God through Jesus Christ, she remained steadfast until the end.
As we part ways, we think back to all the fond memories we have of her and celebrate the long lasting and eternal love that will always be felt by her.
Mary was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina to Pearl Gadson in 1944. As her own mother left to go up North, Mary was left to be raised by her Grand-Aunt, Rosa Gadson who instilled her faith and love into her. By the late 60’s, she moved to New York with her two children, Devant and Burnitta Gadson. There she met her husband Randolph Pickett, a Guyanese firecracker too, a short while after.
Only standing 4’11 tall, but let’s round it to 5 feet or else she’ll ask where the other inch is. She was funny, naturally, just like the greats, feisty and quick witted like the rest of them. Don’t think for a second you were getting away without hearing her mouth. Every holiday, family would gather at Grandma’s house to celebrate and eat all of her delicious Southern food. Even up until last year Christmas, standing strong spiritually but frail physically, she was still cooking.
Every school event, pick-ups, outing in Harlem, Grandma Mary was there. She was known in the neighborhood and called mommy by most. Her personality was that infectious.
If you knew Grandma Mary personally, you knew she was the most loving person that you could meet. Thoughtful and so considerate, always willing to make sure someone was fine before her. She would leave her apartment to bring food for her grandchildren at any time of the day. God forbid mommy didn’t cook for the day.
She loved spending time with her family, cooking, watching her soap operas, and Judge Judy and Mathis shows. She dedicated her life to helping others as a home health aid and carried that same loving quality all throughout her life. She was and always will be one of a kind. She will be missed but we can all assure that she is being well taken care of with our heavenly Father and that is all we can ask for.
She leaves behind husband, Randolph Pickett; son, Devant Gadson; daughter, Burnitta Gadson; brother, Walter Gadson; niece, Rachel Gadson; grandchildren, Devant Gadson Jr, Alena, Fatima, Jada and Aisha Coulibaly, Sahana and Jack Gadson; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Gadson, son-in-law, Aliou Coulibaly; daughter-in-law, Tamara Gadson and a host of extended family members.
May Mary Gadson Pickett rest in peace. Your family will never forget you or the legacy you have left behind. To God be the glory!!!
