Herstory.

There’s Something About Mary. That was something you would hear people say about my grandmother Mary Coulter often. She had an impact on her family, friends, community and even strangers. All it took was one interaction and you were now part of her circle. She knew everything and everyone in her Germantown neighborhood. Nothing happened on Matthews Street without her knowing about it. She was given the title of the unofficial block captain and the hood princess. She lived there since the 1950’s and even though the neighborhood was changing she refused to leave. Her favorite routine each day was to come down for breakfast, sit in her wheel chair at the door and if the weather was nice sit on the porch. Everyone walking up the street or driving pass her house would yell her name, beep the horn and some would stop in the middle of the street just to see Ms. Mary. All the neighborhood boys would stop to check on her and see if she needed anything from the store. She even became a grandmother figure to some.

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Ms. Mary was special because she was able to handle everyone with care and compassion. For years, every day she would have some of her neighborhood friends over for hours just watching television and talking. They even had special seats in her house. Regardless of what type of life you lived she treated everyone the same. People could say the worst things about a person but my grandmother wouldn’t hold it against them.

If anything, she found the good in them.

During the COVID-19 pandemic she shared stories about her child hood. Her younger sister was born with down syndrome and people would always make fun of her. They would ride by their home just to laugh at her sister. My grandmother told me that she always had to protect her and fight for her. She was definitely an advocate for those who are unable to speak and fight for themselves. She loved her daughter Sheila, grandchildren (Kyle, Saada and Courtney) and was crazy about her great grandchildren. Her first great grandchildren were Maurice and then Collin. She would always brag about her boys. Her boys could do no wrong. Then came her great granddaughters Alea and Nubia who she adored. Mary found joy in going to church, community events, casino, gatherings and talking on the phone to her family and friends. Her favorite event to share with others was her 90th Surprise Birthday Party. Anytime you came to visit her she would pull out her picture book to share the photos of her party. She was well known by many state officials and community activist. The mailman and delivery drivers even knew her by name. They would always say Ms. Mary offered me a bottle of water and a snack. Anything that she could do to help someone she would. She would give you food, clothes and if able would have offered you a place to sleep.

On September 3rd the Lord called her home.

This organization was founded in loving memory of Ms. Mary Coulter. She was always a major supporter in the life of others. It is our hope that through our impact, we will inspire young ladies to feel supported and pursue a positive direction in life, just as Ms. Mary always encouraged.