Mable H. Gaither

“If I walk in the path of duty, if I work to the close of the day, I am sure there is joy that awaits me, when I have gone the last mile of the way.”

Mrs. Mable Wilds Henicks Gaither was born January 19, 1935 to the late Abner and Sarah Wilds in Florence, South Carolina. She walked the last mile on Sunday, July 27, 2025, as she departed this life and entered into eternal rest.

At the age of twelve, she accepted Jesus as her Savior, was baptized and continued fellowship at Second Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina, where the late Rev. W. A. Johnson was pastor. In 1949, the church was named Ebenezer Baptist Church and in 1967, the church was officially named New Ebenezer Baptist Church. She remained a faithful member here for over 78 years.

Mable, affectionately called “Ma Mable,” was educated in the public schools of Florence County and graduated from Brockington High School, Timmonsville, South Carolina in 1953.

After graduation from high school she obtained a position at Wentworth Manufacturing Company. She performed her duties diligently as a garment inspector for over 12 years.

She then became employed at Barbara Leslie Garment Factory as an inspector and was later promoted to Supervisor of the Finishing Department. In 1984, she obtained a position at Sara Lee Hosiery (Florence location). There she worked in the Packaging Department until her retirement in 1998.

In 1954, Mable Gaither was united in marriage with J. C. Henicks, Sr. To this union three children were born: J.C., Abner Bernard and Darnella (deceased).

Shortly after marrying, she became a deaconess at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Deaconess Gaither was a loving wife for 36 years, when in 1990, Mr. Henicks passed on to his eternal home. In 1992, she was united in marriage with Bennie Gaither. They shared 12 years of blissful marriage until he passed on to his eternal rest in 2004. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Deaconess Gaither served faithfully in several ministries throughout her many years at New Ebenezer. She started as a Youth Usher, but Rev. W. A. Johnson recruited her for the Junior Choir. Since that time, she has shared her gift of singing by serving on the Senior Choir, Gospel Choir, Chancel Choir, Mass Choir, Celestial Choir, Unified Choir and the CD Choir. She also served as a Sunday School Teacher, Girl Scout Leader, VBS Teacher, on the Kitchen Ministry and the Deaconess Ministry.

Although she delighted in several hobbies through the years, what she enjoyed most of all was traveling. She traveled extensively around the world. Having already sailed on 26 cruises, she was always ready to set sail.

In addition to her parents, daughter and her spouse, Deaconess Gaither was preceded in death by one sister, Ida Green; two live-in sisters, Lucille Hagwood and Dorothy Ray; and one grandson, Kevin Bernard Henicks.

Her memories will be cherished by her devoted sons: J.C. (Joyce) Henicks and Abner Bernard (Sonya) Henicks; two stepdaughters: Juanita (James) Barr of Columbia, SC and Donna Bishop of Hempstead, New York; four grandchildren: Eric (Tina) Henicks, Ryan (Martina) Henicks, Mercedes Henicks and Kim Henicks Bryant; twelve great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Mae Henicks of Fayetteville, NC and Elizabeth Kirven of Richmond, Va; a host of other relatives, friends, “adopted daughters,” and extended church family.

Family will receive friends 6 PM - 9 PM , Tuesday-Thursday, July 29-31, at 1105 Sopkin Avenue, Florence and 6 PM - 9 PM, Friday, Aug 1 , at 1210 West Evans Street, Florence.

Please keep the family of Mable Wilds Henicks Gaither in your thoughts and prayers.