Mary Elizabeth Clark Henson "Mayme" Eldridge

Eldridge, Mary Elizabeth (Mayme) Age 108

Mary Elizabeth Clark Henson Eldridge was born March 17, 1897 in Oxon Hill, Maryland to John and Lizzie Clark. With the death of her mother she was raised as the loved foster daughter of Daniel and Frances Henson. Her sisters, Susie and Clara and brother, Charley, were raised by other families. Early in life, she learned the value of a generous and loving family. She was called home to be with her heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 9, 2005 at Southern Maryland Hospital, Clinton, Maryland.

“Mayme” as she was affectionately known, received her education in a one room school house in Chapel Hill, MD. Mayme accepted Christ into her life at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church in Chapel Hill, MD (Grace United Methodist Church) and was very active in the church. She faithfully loved and supported her church and served as a communion steward and member of the ‘Women’s Society of Christian Service’ now United Methodist Women. She chaired and shared in many fundraisers for the church. Mayme loved the church, her many pastors, family and friends, but most importantly she was a faithful, dedicated and trustworthy soldier on the battlefield for God. She armed herself with the full armor of God and was protected until her death on November 9th. She will always be remembered for her generosity, endless encouragement, openness and the support that she extended to all who came in contact with her. Her favorite saying was, “I dare you to trust Him.”

Mayme was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Eldridge, Sr, and two daughters Ernestine and Esterine. She leaves to rejoice her memory her daughters; Araminta Anderson and Mary (Eldon) Hayman and four sons; Robert A. Jr, Vasco P., Taliaferro C. (Mae), and Earle F. She delighted in her 14 grandchildren; Robert A. Eldridge, III, Sheila Eldridge, Candace Scales, Rhawn Anderson, Louis Eldridge, Earle Eldridge, Tanya White, Deborah Eldridge, Melba Lewis, Angel Eldridge, Eben Eldridge, Aschleigh Eldridge, Jacqueline Hayman and Eldon Hayman, Jr., 17 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

She found her first employment with army families garrisoned at Fort Washington. Later she moved to Washington, DC to continue her education and work. She retired with 30 years of federal service with the Smithsonian Institution and The Navy Department. In 1916 at the age of 19 she married Robert A. Eldridge, subsequently giving birth to 8 children, the first two died before the age 4. Her husband died in 2000 at the age of 106; at that time they had been married for over 84 years.

It’s hard to imagine that she lived through 108 years of trying times (e.g.) World War I, the 1918 flu epidemic, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Gulf War and now the Iraq War, the aftermath of slavery, Jim Crow and segregation.

Much to her credit she continued to push her children and grandchildren to greater educational heights. Mayme participated in the annual Centenarian Celebration honoring Prince George’s County’s 100 + year old citizens. It was noted that Mayme had been marrIed for more than 80 years. This event was sponsored by Evelyn Cole Senior Center, On her 100th birthday she received letters of blessing from: Bishop Felton May, United Methodist Church Baltimore-Washington Conference, Washington Episcopal Area; Robert K. Rodeffer, Washington East District Superintendent; Marion Barry, Jr. Mayor of Washington, DC; Eleanor Holmes Norton, House of Representative, District of Columbia; a special proclamation from Gov. Parris Glendening; a special proclamation from Prince George’s County Executive, Wayne K. Curry; and Bill Clinton, President of the United States She was honored December 17, 2003 at the occasion of the “Past- Present-Future Celebration at Grace UM Church. She and other members of Grace who were 80 years of age or older were honored. Mayme was a staunch “Mother of Grace” giving of her time, treasures and service.

The last 11 years of Mayme’s life was spent at Future Care Pineview Nursing Home, Clinton, MD, where she was embraced with tender care from her caretakers, residents and staff.

Mayme, Ms. Mayme, Mother, Ma, Puddy, Big Puddy, Grandma Puddy, Great Grandma Puddy, Cousin Mayme and Aunt Mayme; her passing will leave a void in the lives of those who loved her. Memories must now be the chain to link us to her until we meet again!

Her viewing will take place on Thursday, November 17th from 10:00a.m. until time of service 11:00a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 11700 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, Maryland. Interment Church Cemetery.