Mother Mary Alice Oakman

Mother Mary Alice Oakman was the oldest child born to the late James and Isabell Scott on December 3, 1949 in Lexington, South Carolina.

On June 24, 2022, God in his infinite wisdom called home our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend from labor to reward after a brief illness at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

Mother Mary accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior, at the age of 8, and was baptized at Darian Baptist Church in a pond under the leadership of Rev James Andrews. Mother Oakman loved Jesus and loved working in the church. She fulfilled many roles in her home church before relocating to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mary migrated north with her family and attend the Philadelphia School System, graduating from Simon Gratz High School. She would further her education and professional development at American Institute of Science Technology gaining certifications as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Much of her career was spent in the Healthcare fields of work. Having been a childcare provider, housekeeper, nurse aide, and supervisor for Pennsylvania Hospital, Mother enjoyed helping and caring for others.

While in the North, Mother Mary became a faithful member of Victory Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Matthew Henderson until 1998. She later joined Faith Canaan Baptist Church under the leadership of her brother Bishop WJ Scott Jr., she had served as both a Trustee Aide and a Deaconess. In 2006, she joined National Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of her son. There she loved singing, praying, and lifting the name of Jesus. But no one could push a preacher like Mom Oakman could. You could hear her from anywhere in the church saying in a harmonious way “Well” or “Come on” and “Put your foot on it”. Mom Oakman loved to sing, made up songs on the spot and could easily stir the church up with her testimonials.

Mom Oakman met and married her childhood sweetheart Luke Oakman for which they shared 38 years of marriage before his departure in 2005. Mary opened her house to many who needed a place to live for a period of time.

Mother Mary was an amazing cook who familiarized herself in and around the kitchen at the age of 8. She was known for her large meals and sweet potatoes pies. Mom Oakman loved fried chicken. She also taught all of her children how to cook, guiding them, step by step that included bringing hot pots and measuring cups from the kitchen to the living room so she could ensure everything was right.

As a child, she was always up for a good challenge in the game of Jacks because she knew her opponents would lose. At her leisure, Mom Oakman enjoyed watching Matlock, In the Heat of the Night, Wheel of Fortune, Unsolved Mysteries, the local News, and Quartet gospel groups on YouTube. You could always find her sitting on her bed on in the chair praising God yelling “Thank you Jesus” as she listened to Doc McKenzie and the Highlight or Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs.

Mom Oakman was known for many things but was especially famous for organizing a Quartet Gospel Extravaganza Bus trip to Pelion South Carolina every Memorial Day weekend. She was also excellent at getting you to buy a ticket to her Anniversary Celebration every 4th Sunday of September.

She leaves to cherish her memories, four daughters, Lorraine, Cleo (Darryl), Monique (Naim), Sherry (Charles), three sons, Luke Jr., Lamonte and Terry, 15 grandchildren, Tamaira, Tyrese, Sean, KaitlynMarie, Darryl, El-Veta, Brittany, Naim, India, Terry Jr., Andre, Xavier, Nicholas, Chasidy and Tyler. one brother William, one sister Mildred, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Godchildren Pamela, Michelle, Marcus, and Akie and David.

Lovingly Submitted the Family

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