Mary D. Skinner was affectionately known as Maum, her children’s special name, Auntie, Sister, and true friend. Skinner was born in Marshall, Texas on May 26, 1928 to the union of Cerra and Maude Slade. She was the seventh of twelve children. In addition to being the seventh child of this union, she was the longest living matriarch.
Skinner moved to Seattle, Washington with her three children from a previous marriage, in pursuit of employment and a better life. Upon relocating, Skinner met and married the love of her life, Jordan Richard Skinner, and had three additional children. She was a very hard-working woman. She worked at Lockheed Shipyard, Boeing Aircraft Company, and Seattle Public Schools through the Parent to Student Reading Program. Skinner also worked for the Avon Company and was well known as “The Avon Lady,” winning numerous awards for her outstanding sales record. Skinner was also famously known for her delicious peach cobblers that she baked and sold to Bob’s Market in the Madison Valley.
One thing everyone knew about Skinner, is she loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. She understood her assignment from the Lord: to LOVE everyone with all your heart. Skinner touched thousands of lives with her love of cooking, singing in the choir, singing at home, singing in the car, wherever and whenever a song came across her mind, she would sing. Skinner also loved doing her missionary work; she loved to bring souls to Jesus Christ. As a faithful servant for many years at Greater Mt. Baker Missionary Baptist Church, her missionary work consisted of Sunday School, leading devotion, BTU (Baptist Training Union), Vacation Bible School, and the Women’s Senior Mission I. Skinner also enjoyed giving people rides; she was an Uber driver before Uber came into existence. Skinner was blessed with a long, fruitful life. She was fulfilled by doing God’s work, for God’s people. Skinner was commissioned from the Lord, to let us know to carry her torch of LOVE.
Skinner is preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Frank, Leon Sr., Verlan, Harden, Cerra Jr., sisters; Aperlonie, Lizzie, and Odell, children: William Earl Sr., grandchildren; Kristopher, Brian, and William Earl Jr., and great grandchild; Nilese.
Skinner leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 64 years: Jordan Richard Skinner, children: Deloris Flavors, Trolice (Anna) Flavors, Melvin Skinner, LaDonia (Ali) Skinner-Rodol, Floyd Skinner Sr, daughter in-law Lillie Flavors, grandchildren: Michael, Eric, Ferron Earl (Tiuahni), William Earl, Leslie, LaNaya (aka Nell), Floyd Jr, Elliott, Elizabeth, Aaron, and Jordan, and a host of great grandchildren. Her siblings; Yvonne Coleman, Charles Slade Sr., Gene (Clarice) Slade, and her sister-laws, Fannie, Welma, and Dorothy. She has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends in Seattle, and throughout the United States whom she loved dearly.
A viewing will be held at 10:00 am on Sat., Feb. 26 at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Baptist Church – 4519 NE 10th St., Renton, WA, followed by a service at 11:00 am. Burial will take place following the service at Abbey View Memorial Park 3601 Alaska Rd, Brier, WA.
