Mary Elizabeth came into this world on May 22, 1921 in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, the oldest child of Anna Mae and Earnest E. Stewart. Her brothers, Earnest E. Jr. and Louis J. Stewart preceded her in death. She was educated in the Mt. Sterling and Columbus, Ohio Public Schools. She graduated from Du Bois High School in Mt. Sterling in 1939. Afterwards she moved to Cincinnati where she eventually met and married Norman Preston in 1942. Five children were born of this union: Norma Jean Jackson (deceased), Christeen Allen, Harold Blake Preston, Bernita Louise Bush Gissler and Ann Renee Mobley. Several years after this marriage was ended, Mary married Clifford Ogletree in 1981 and she remained his faithful wife until his death in 1996. Early on, Mary's family instilled in her strong moral values, a love of God and steadfast trust in Him. She was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church from 1949 until her death. She was actively involved in many different ministries there, but most important to her were the Dorcas Society and the Benevolence Committee. She could be found in the kitchen at every important event in the life of the church! She was an accomplished seamstress, and she loved to crochet and make quilts. She was a loyal and active member of the Colored Women's Federated Club for many years. Mary devoted her life to raising her children, caring for her family and being "Mom" to a myriad of individuals who were drawn to her kind, loving and generous spirit. She instilled in her children the importance of education, and she encouraged and supported them as they pursued all of their educational goals. While her children were in elementary school, she spent many hours volunteering at their schools, and she served as the president of the PTA for several years. After most of her children had finished high school she sought employment. She was a receptionist at the YWCA and later she worked as a Teacher's Aide for Cincinnati Public Schools (1969-1974) and as a Library Assistant (1970-71). She was later employed as an Assembler at Southwestern Publishing Company until she retired in 1984. In the years that followed retirement, she was able to visit many parts of the United States, the Caribbean Islands and many European locations such as London, Paris, Prague, Majorca, cities in northern Italy, and many cities in Switzerland. To fully appreciate her is to discover that what she expressed best was her love. It was unforced and was dispensed by example. During her time among us she instilled her wisdom in each of us to help us understand the beauty of life, whether in a simple smile, or a gentle display of kindness and compassion. She left a reflection of her values in generations of offspring and in others who she also embraced. Surely she has celebrated a long ninety-six years of life, and justly deserves and has earned a rest after a life well-lived. A fitting title of this observance of her life is more precisely described as a "legacy of love". Mary leaves to cherish her memory: four children, five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, a beloved nephew (John Harris), a beloved niece (Darlene Dorsette), a host of friends, extended family and individuals whose lives she touched.

Previous Events