Mabel Stennies

On November 29, 1927, Mabel Holt Stennies was born in Elkton, TN, to Mr. Tazzie Holt and Mrs. Ruby Bledsoe Holt. She spent her childhood in Elkton and Indianapolis, IN. Mabel graduated from Indianapolis’ Crispus Attucks High School then moved to Cleveland, OH, where she met James Willie Stennies, Sr. Their union in 1955 produced three children, Pamela, James Jr., and Gail. Mabel was a devoted mother who supported her children through many activities. During her many years in Cleveland, Mabel exemplified a life of caregiving and service as a homemaker, retail clerk, and housekeeper. She was a long-time, active member of the Nurses Guild of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church. As the bedrock for her family, she tirelessly raised her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and lovingly cared for her mother, Ruby Holt Gee, until her passing at the age of 101. In 2011, Mabel moved to Atlanta, GA, where she easily made wonderful new friends at the Briarcliff Oaks Apartments, the Never Too Old Seniors Group, the North DeKalb Seniors Center, and Briarcliff Baptist Church. The active social life she quickly built could have one thinking she had lived in the area her whole life. As a faithful Christian, Mabel found a new church home and joined Briarcliff Baptist Church, where she was an active member of her Sunday School class and the seniors group. Pastor Paul J. Millarc and the members embraced her as they fellowshipped together. Mabel had an intrepid spirit that propelled her to far-flung destinations that many only dream about. She vacationed in North America, the Caribbean, Asia, French Polynesia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Mabel went home to the Lord on August 21, 2017. She leaves to mourn her daughters, Pamela Gee Stennies Johnson and Dr. Gail Marie Stennies Shelley (Larry); two grandchildren, Kimberley Johnson Aaron (Michael, Sr.) and Herbert Johnson, Jr.; six great-grandchildren, Shyonté, Naja, Isiah, Makaila, Malissa, Michael, Jr; one great-great grandson, Kai; lifelong friend and brother, Oscar Grundy; three nephews, David Lynn Holt (Patti), Derrick Holt, and Don Holt; one grandniece, Dawn Holt; many cousins and friends. Her parents, brother David Holt, and son, James Willie Stennies, Jr., preceded her in death.

Tributes

Mabel Stennies

November 29, 1927 - August 21, 2017