"I miss talking to you. I know you are in a better place.One day we all will see you again. You always keep us laughing..Keep smiling...Love you cousin.."
In loving memory of
Loretta Yvonne Mason
December 12, 2014
Loretta Yvonne Mason was born on May 23, 1948, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Junius and Marie Hicks. She had three siblings, Junius Fletcher, Charles William, and Theodore Lewis. She was also the great-great-granddaughter of William Jefferson White (founder of Morehouse College).
Loretta was educated in the Philadelphia School System, and in 1965, she graduated from Kensington High School for Girls. In 1969, Loretta graduated and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Cheyney University (then called Cheyney State College). Loretta's dream was to go back to the neighborhood where she grew up as a child and make a difference, so she began teaching in the Philadelphia School System in 1970.
For more than 34 years, Loretta teaching subsequent generations of contributors to society. While most of those years were spent educating in North Philadelphia, she taught all over the City of Philadelphia. She loved telling her students what the neighborhood was like when she was a child and felt a great sense of pride and achievement on the numerous instances when she was approached, later in life, by former students who acknowledged and thanked her for her positive contributions to their personal success. However, her nurturing spirit never let her take full credit for the instrumental role that she played in her students lives'. Before her retirement, Loretta was mentioned in "Who's Who in American Education", a distinction limited to individuals demonstrating outstanding achievement in the field and contributing significantly to society. After retirement, she relocated to Fort Lauderdale, FL where she continued to mentor and inspire many youths in various ways.
Loretta was a proud mother. She had four children, sons Charles Taylor III, Malik Taylor, and James "Jimmy" Blake II, and a daughter, Christina Marie Mason (who died pre-birth). To know Loretta meant knowing her three sons. She talked about her sons all of the time. She always shared rewards, concerts, graduations, advances, promotions, and even obstacles in growth concerning her sons to everyone. Loretta stressed to her son's the importance of education, respect, and faith, and always encouraged her sons to persevere in the face of obstacles. In this, she led by example and gave her sons behind the scenes support in whatever fields they decided to pursue.
Loretta was a woman of strong faith. On December 3, 1971, she began practicing Nichiren Buddhism, in which chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is used to reveal one's inherent Buddha nature, unlocking the innate power and wisdom to transform, and create absolute happiness in, one's life. She became an active member of Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organization with the collective goal of realizing world peace through each person becoming happy. All three of her sons practiced Nichiren Buddhism with her and, together, Loretta and her sons strove to become a nucleus embodying love, compassion, communication, and spirituality. For more than 43 years, Loretta supported the advancement of world peace through her Buddhist practice and in her involvement with SGI-USA. Loretta held various leadership positions within the SGI first in PA and then in FL. She created many lifelong friendships within the SGI, encouraged many members to practice, developed in her heart a strong bond with her spiritual mentor, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, and particularly devoted great effort to supporting the youth in the organization.
For those who knew Loretta, there was never a dull moment. She talked and LIVED every moment of every day. She liked to crack jokes and was always looking for a way to bring a laugh to everyone around her. Generally anyone who met Loretta, even for a second, had a life-long bond with her because she gave her heart in everything she did. She loved music and dancing. When there was a party, she would not be the one sitting down. Loretta had a "need for speed" spirit and loved fast cars. She enjoyed going to car shows and to the racetrack and, on occasion, enjoyed racing the quarter mile to see how well her newly polished car would perform. She was even given the nickname "Ms Hurry" by other car enthusiasts. Loretta loved to travel and went on many cruises as well as traveling to Japan, Egypt, the Caribbean, and all over the US, in her lifetime.
Loretta cherished family connections, and strove to re-engage and maintain bonds with her extended family. Loretta's love for family extended beyond blood relatives as well, but anyone who knew Loretta, knows that they were her family, with no discounts given.
Loretta is survived by brothers Junius, Charles, and Theodore, sons Charles III, Malik, and Jimmy, daughters-in-law Althea and Heather, grandchildren Olivia, Lleuwyn, Jericho, Chris, Majai, Niyja, and Omarion, extended family, comrades in faith, and friends.
MEMORIAL SERVICES: One in Florida and one in Pennsylvania will be held as follows
FL - Saturday, 12/20/14, 5 PM, at the SGI Everglades Center, 20000 Manatee Isle Dr., Weston, FL 33332, Phone: 954-349-5200
PA - Saturday, 1/17/15, 2 PM, at the SGI Philadelphia Center. 2000 Hamilton St, Suite 210, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Phone 215-569-2144
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: Kindly send donations to one of the following:
1. CECIL B. MOORE- MARIE HICKS AWARD FUND. This is a scholarship fund that was set up by Loretta and her brothers in honor of their mother, Marie, for her efforts as one of the original plaintiffs in the 1968 case to integrate Philadelphia's Girard College Private School in which Loretta's brothers, Charles and Theodore, in attending the school, ended the school's long history of segregation. The fund enables the first ever Award Fund at Girard endowed in memory of the Civil Rights Pioneers, granted to a deserving student for their leadership by example, commitment to courage, and achieving victory over adversity by walking in the footsteps of Mrs. Hicks, Attorney Moore and the many others who are committed to sustaining the motivation, engagement & memories of our civil rights pioneers. Donations are tax deductible and may be made by mailing a check payable to "Girard College Development Fund" with "in memory of Loretta Hicks-Mason" in the memo box to:
Girard College Alumni Association - Development Fund
S. College Ave. Phila., PA 19121-4860
Attn: Cecil More - Marie Hicks Award Fund
Direct any further questions to Bruce Bekker, Office of Advancement GDCF at 215-787-4489 or bbekker@girardcollege.edu
2. SOKA UNIVERSITY. Helping students learn how to create value in their lives, their communities and the world are the central tenets of Soka Education. Soka University has built a tradition of humanistic learning and scholarship where the focus is on each student's growth and development. Donations may be made online at http://www.soka.edu/giving with "donation in memory of Loretta Mason" in the comments box or mail a check payable to "Soka University of America" with "in memory of Loretta Mason" in the memo box to:
Linda Kennedy
Director of Philanthropy
Development Department
University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Tributes
"One of my fondest memories of Loretta was her correcting me on my misconceptions about consistency. With analogy she made certain I understood that consistency is fluid and personal. I was warmed to realize that we shared a fondness for "Europa" Charles Earland on his "The Almighty Burner" does a version that scorches. It's one of my favorites and his version and his version of "Unforgettable" is how I feel for our dear Loretta... I will be weternally grateful forher existence Thanks Loretta thanks Chucky Malik and Jimmy"
"I had the pleasure of sharing life inside and outside of SGI-USA, our birthdays are in the same month of may and our GOHONZONS anniversary's are in the same month of DEC. her's was the 3rd and mine is the 5th, we also battled the same illness sickle- cell which we both shared the same doctor's and hospitals, she always encouraged me on how to chant when there was a crisis with this disease, when my daughter became ill with a brain tumor, Loretta called me weekly to get an update and check on my practice, she also held toso's for me and my daughter she was loving , kind, and a wonderful sister in heart and i will miss her dearly."
"I have never had the pleasure of meeting Loretta personally. As a member of SGI her life force and energy that I felt from others who learned of her transitioning, was so heart felt. I have been touched and inspired by her life as I joined in to celebrate with our SGI family. Thank you Loretta, you have taught me the BEST way to live and hopefully to touch other's lives as you have. "
"I am Loretta's niece. She was, is and will always be one of my favorite aunts!! : ) Being the sharp, we'll-prepared woman that she was, she had sent my sister and me our Christmas card before she passed. It was so good to see her name! When she passed, I looked back at the card and realized that I could have sent that exact same message right back to her and it would have applied. So here it is: Aunt Loretta, You make a difference in the life of others, Make the best of whatever life hands you, And make everyone else smile in the process. You're such a gift to this family, With you're warm and welcoming heart (You loved) the way love shines in you. Danielle and I love you!!!!! "
"I will never forget your smile. Glad I had a chance to see you over the summer smile was still the same. Rest in peace cousin Loretta "
"I absolutely am in awe of the span of your presence and breadth of your life's work. I had only known you for a few short years and your presence in my life--through the birth of my two children--was been life changing. You were a mother in every sense of the "title" offering love and guidance in a way that exonerated and exemplified how to live a purposeful life with peace as the core .You are thoroughly missed but I can truly say from my view that you lived a life complete. This year alone you cruised and saw the North American continent on Norwegian Cruise Line (your favorite) and were joined by a whole host of friends and family. Your vibrant spirit and ability to authentically enjoy each moment--living in the moment--unafraid to bust a move or sing out loud always gave me chuckle. Please know that even in your expression I was learning from you--when the spirit moves you--take advantage as the present is a gift. I imagine while you were on your last cruise that you were so enraptured by the view that you offered your soul in a spirit of gratitude to the mystic law. Your attention to detail in each one of our lives was so impeccable that we all claimed you as a "our" mother, "our" sister, "our" friend. Your giving spirit was such a blessing there were many days when I would come home to a card, letter of encouragement or seemingly simple handwritten note that changed my environment in the instant I read it. Thank you for making my birthday a celebratory one last year. You were an "analogue girl in a digital world" and a true reminder of the importance of simplicity in life. I am reminded of one of the gifts that you gave an offering of photos of me from a disposable camera which you laughed about in your way knowing how technology had changed so that we take a million photos now but rarely cherish them as they are rarely printed. Photos of me with belly plump with life when with family so far away, I had none but you to commemorate, in this way, my life at this time. I often felt the need to demonstrate my gratitude. Please know that my inability to reciprocate your generosity was largely due to the fact that you were always on the go and kept a schedule that was all your own. I have two birthday cards and a water colored picture that me and my son painted of a hummingbird. This is a name that I lovingly gave you for your vivid energy and endless hum of nam-myo-ho-renge-kyo. Your son Jimmy and I joked about the importance you found in adhering to your own schedule in funny ways like insisting on watching a hallmark movie at a designated time however, it was in this way that you were able to be so efficient. Still we all would chuckle as you were seemingly unfettered by our insistence that you sit-a-spell longer. I know that in this you found freedom. Your spontaneity and compassion demonstrated to so many that each meticulous effort you made toward kosen rufu--with seemingly ceaseless effort--enhanced the value of each one of our lives. Your purpose has awakened in many a sense of limitless worth and potential. As SGI President Daisaku Ikeda notes, 'Kosen-rufu does not mean the end point or terminus of a flow, but it is the flow itself, the very pulse of living Buddhism within society.'" Thank you for your continuously watchful eye now that you are amongst the ancestors. Until we meet again..."
"I was so saddened by the death of dear Loretta. She was such a joy to be around at Cheyney and had such a great sense of humor. I have thought of her often over the years and wondered how she was. She was a great young woman and I will miss her dearly."
"When Loretta was in your presence the sun shined brighter. When we went to Philadephia for the "Rock the Era" meeting in 2010, she was there to wave us off as we boarded the bus with the youth division. When we arrived, she was there to greet us. When we returned to FNCC, there she was welcoming us home, complete with whistle and dressed in Gakkai colors! I trust she will be there to welcome us to a Eagle Peak! NMRK x 3"
"Loretta was always fun to be with in our days at Cheyney.She was always cheerful and a good listener.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family."
"What a woman! Loretta brought so many people together, and made each of us feel her caring spirit. I remember one January, just before the February women's commemorative meetings, I opened my mailbox to find a handwritten, personalized invitation from Loretta to a meeting at her house. There was no stamp. My only conclusion was that she had hand-delivered the invitation, even though she lived clear across the county! Later I found that I wasn't the only one to receive this special delivery, by far. Loretta had gotten into her car and driven who knows how many miles, just to make us feel that she really wanted us to attend that meeting...not surprisingly, it was packed! That's something unforgettable: just the sheer kindness and determination that she expressed with that gesture (or long series of gestures) typified who Loretta was: strong, compassionate, determined, and pushing herself to the limit so that other people would wake up and "be there" to celebrate each other's struggles and triumphs. She also really cared about the young people in our area, always ready to encourage and support them. Even though she's physically gone, that strong, happy spirit will never be forgotten. Thank you, Loretta!"
"I was a Secretary at A. B. Day School in the West Oak Lane area of Philadelphia where Loretta taught 4th grade. She commanded her class with respect and received full respect in return from her students. You always knew when Loretta's class was passing by the school office. There would be complete silence in the line of well behaved young men and women. To say the least, in this day and age that is remarkable. Coming into to school each morning Loretta always gave a friendly greeting to fellow teachers and often had a funny story to tell here and there. I remember when her Mother passed away, going to her service, seeing boys and girls from Girard College there to sing in honor of a women who did so much for their cause. I Believe that these two powerful women will meet again. Wouldn't that be a wonderful site to see!"
"I have loved you for so many years, since we were kids and still do love you and always will. You are filled with good times, devotion and love. Thank you for being a part of my life, cousin."
"To the family, I am so sorry for your lost. Though I was the oldest Lorretta took care or me like I was her little Sister. She was smart and funny. I Remember when she went to Egypt she sent me a postcard that simply read, "girl...I was never so scared in my life, I rode a Camel named "Michael Jackson". See you soon". Though I was in a deep depressive state at the time I laughed then and every time I pictured her on that Camel I laughed. It was just what I needed. Thank you Lorretta for being you. I will always love and miss you so very much. "
"When the enemy death strikes your grief can be great. It's never the right time to say goodbye to a loved one. Death too to many seems to be a part of life. It's during times such as these that we can find comfort in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9, 10 ~ "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth". Only God's (Psalms 83:18) Kingdom can bring peace, happiness, perfect health, and everlasting life. "
"When the enemy death strikes your grief can be great. It's never the right time to say goodbye to a loved one. Death too to many seems to be a part of life. It's during times such as these that we can find comfort in the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9, 10 ~ "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth". Only God's (Psalms 83:18) Kingdom can bring peace, happiness, perfect health, and everlasting life. "
"Loretta was an amazing woman. I feel very lucky to have known her. Loretta's compassion and understanding of others was incredible. She was always very supportive of any little effort I made in my practice and other areas of my life. Every time I arrived at the end of a meeting, a toso, a prayer, or any event, she would remind me that I made the cause, and that is all that matters. She said it in the same loving and compassionate manner, every time, as if it were the first time. She was so full of energy and enthusiasm and it would rub off on anyone who talked to her for not even 5 minutes. I can sincerely say that Loretta played a big role in my practice. When I moved from NY, my things had not arrived yet. Loretta brought me a butsudan, 2 chairs, and flowers, and she helped me set everything up. She knew that I needed a push and she gave me a gentle but strong one! She took me by the hand and took me to meetings, world peace gongyos, and introduced me to members closer to my new address so that I would not have to travel far to attend meetings. I will miss her terribly. "
"Loretta was my daimoku buddy. I would call and say, "I'm depressed" and she would say "girl!!!! What time are we chanting" she would come to my house, and we would chant the walls down! She let me know unemployment was just a stepping stone to something wonderful! I will miss her terribly!"
"We are so very sorry for your loss, family of Loretta, we loved her so much and will always hold on to the wonderful memories we had with her, never forgotten. Joanne Stevens and Family"
"I'm very sorry for your loss. It's my sincere hope that during this time of great sorrow that you find comfort in the memories shared with your dear loved one as well as the hope for the future found at Isaiah 25:8 which says, " He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. ""
"To my Sister Loretta, No words will ever capture our loss of your love. You walked with us thru the gates of Girard College in 1968, reminded all who would listen about our legacy, brought us caring love and was our family historian to bring to life memories of our Great Grand Father William Jefferson White (founder Morehouse College)..We enjoyed the Daytona 24 Hour race together and you should have seen her smile when she received an autograph by Tony Steward NASCAR SPRINT CAR champion. Our father gave us love of flying airplanes and motorsports beginning at Atco Drag Way in NJ. Loretta we will always love and remember you. Please keep the legacy alive by sponsoring the next generation of scientist & engineers. Your brothers Charles & Ted."