Mary Gilchrist

Mary Gilchrist, 90, of Lorain passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Mercy Health Lorain Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on Tuesday, July 4, 1934, to the late Elijah and Lillie Young in North Carolina. She was a lifelong resident of Lorain, Ohio. 

She worked as a Nurse Aide and Housekeeper for many years throughout her life. Mary was a sweet, loving, caring woman who would give her last to anyone who was in need that crossed her path. She was a mother and friend to many. She was a confidant with great wisdom who loved beyond anyone’s faults.

Mary enjoyed spending time with all her loved ones, especially her grandchildren, who also enjoyed every precious moment with her. Mary will be especially remembered for her funny character and great storytelling that would always keep you engaged and laughing. She was also known for having a sharp unapologetic tongue that would give it to you straight saying anything she pleased whether you liked it or not. And everyone knew not to contest it. Mary also enjoyed cooking, cleaning, playing the lottery and scratch-off tickets of all types daily. She had dozens of notebooks where she would workout various number combinations to play which also included all her lucky numbers. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, her six daughters: Thelma “Coot” Young-Anderson of Montgomery, Alabama, Jannie Gilchrist Pye, Mae Gilchrist, Essie (Michael) Gilchrist Fedikovich, all of Lorain, Stella (Fred) Powell of Avon Lake, OH, and Fran (Craig) Nettles of Columbus, OH; daughter-in-law Michelle Lovett-Gilchrist; six sons: James Gilchrist Sr, Minister Franklin (Paula) Gilchrist, Alfred (Jackie) Gilchrist, Michael (Donna) Gilchrist, Alfonso (Tina) Gilchrist, and Johnny Gilchrist all of Lorain; 16 grandchildren: Tiffany (Donald) Gilchrist-Pruchinsky, Candace Gilchrist, Marcus Gilchrist, Alexis Richardson, James Gilchrist Jr, Antuan Powell, Angelica Powell, Serah Gilchrist, Mikey Gilchrist, Fontasha Gilchrist, Tiara Gilchrist, Jalen Gilchrist, Tyrell Allgood, Asia Nettles, Craig Nettles Jr., and Alaina Gilchrist; 13 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Frank Gilchrist, son, Joseph Gilchrist, grandsons: Alfred (AJ) Jr and Isaiah Gilchrist; sisters: EvaMay McNeil, Bernice Robinson, Fannie Lester-Young, Zelma Fairley-Young and brother Jack Young.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am at New Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, 3880 Dayton Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052, where Minister Alfred Gilchrist will be officiating, and Pastor Frank Gilchrist of New Hope Baptist Church will be giving the eulogy. The burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.