Retha Ware's Obituary
Mother Retha Mae Ware was born on February 13, 1939 to the union
of Johnny and Veola Welch, in Chidester, Arkansas and was one of
fifteen children. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, ten
siblings and son, Leon Jr.
She married at a very young age, to this union three children were born
Vanessa, Leon Jr. and Melloniece. Mother Ware’s daughter, Vanessa
Pryor was on a 40-day consecration. Her heart’s desire was to see her
mother confess a hope in Christ. Prior to the end of consecration, she
received a call from Mother Ware stating she had received the Lord as
her Savior; after receiving Christ she joined Deliverance Temple Church
of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Bobby Warren. She
subsequently transferred her membership to Love Feast Church of God
in Christ under the leadership of Elder Clarence Harris. She absolutely
loved her Pastor and church family. She was a dedicated and faithful
member of that Ministry. Her favorite aspect of the Ministry was Sunday
School. She often would provide transportation for some of the Saints
to church. She would make it very clear that they must be ready on time
as she did not want to be late. She always came prepared for service,
she would pack a bag containing her Bible, snacks and Tambourine.
Mother Ware served at her church. She loved children and the children
loved her, as she could be counted upon to always have candy in her
bag. The children would make sure that they greeted Mother Ware
during church services so that they would receive a piece of candy. She
volunteered several times a week at the church, helping in the kitchen,
the daycare and wherever she was needed. She could be counted upon
to serve.
She retired from Amtrak in 2001. Post retirement she did not stay home
and relax she continued to serve. She was known for making delicious
Sweet Potato Pies and melt in your mouth Pound Cakes. She would get
numerous requests from people to make these delicacies.
Whenever her siblings became ill, she ministered to them in many
capacities of help to provide care for them during this time of need.
Despite her advancing age, Mother Ware continued to be active. She
loved to take long walks, engage in physical exercise and participate in
the Silver Sneakers Programs. She actually won several awards for
walking competitions and spearheaded exercises classes. She was an
advocate for fitness.
She loved her girls dearly, so much so that she gave them nicknames.
Vanessa was called “Peaches” and Melloniece was called “Lover”. She
instilled within her girls the desire to become strong, spirit filled,
independent women. However, if she felt as if someone was not
treating her girls appropriately, she would give them a certain look.
Even though she may have been small in stature, had a big heart, and
was known to be feisty, she did not play when it came to her girls.
Although she did not have biological grandchildren, Vanessa adopted a
baby girl by the name of Aquaia. Mother Ware cherished this child as
her one and only grandchild and staying true to form, gave her the
nickname of “Pooh”. Mother Ware would unofficially adopt many more
special grandchildren namely, Lawrence Haynes, Kim Hill, Carmen
Lugo and Ouida Richardson just to name a few.
On September 15, 2021, The Lord decided that Mother Ware’s work on
Earth was complete and the Lord called her home.
She leaves to Cherish her memory: two daughters ~ Vanessa Pryor
from Belleville, Illinois and Melloniece Pryor from Gary, Indiana; three
sisters from Atlanta, Georgia ~ Mrs. Vera Flournoy, Mrs. Bettye Emory
and Mrs. Ernestine Murray (NE: Ernie-preceded in death); one brother ~
James Welch (NE: Rose) from Hobart, Indiana; two lifelong friends ~
Ms. Louise Edwards and Mrs. Gladys Peterson and a host of nieces,
nephews including great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends
What’s your fondest memory of Retha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Retha?
Share a story where Retha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Retha you’ll never forget.
How did Retha make you smile?
