IRMA MASON

Irma E. Mason was born on May 31, 1925, to Angelle Pryor and Charlie Jackson. She was the sibling of Theodore Pryor and Dorothy Dennis.

Irma’s last place of employment was at Deans Gate Clothing Factory, where she worked 9 years then retired. She became a fulltime tutor in the “Title I” Program at William Frantz Elementary School. The Principal at Frantz was impressed with her knowledge and skillful ability to teach the students, that he helped her to become a certified “Title I” Assistant.

In 1943, Irma and Earl Mason, Sr. became one through Holy Matrimony. To this union, 6 children were born.

In 1959, Irma became an active member in New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the Senior Usher Board. She established and oversaw the Junior Ushers. Irma was also a member of several organizations within NBMC: Church Assistant Secretary, The Senior Missions, The Women of Power Ministry, a student of the Baptist Training Union, and the “Street Witnessing” Ministry. She was also a part of the City Wide Witness Revival, A Cord of the 40 day Prayer Service and Assistant Director of the Youth Ministry.

After the devastation of New Orleans on August 29, 2005 by Hurricane Katrina, Irma and her family relocated to Dallas, TX, where they all became active members of the Pathway of Life Church, under he leadership of Pastor Danny Wegman. Irma often expressed to her family and friends of the love and spiritually divine ambience of her new found church, and she stood at her post ushering for the last 13 years of her life.

Irma showed great pride and her love in her ministry. The fact that the Lord called her to duty – to serve was an honor. She always shared her testimony, “The Lord told me to stand at the door until He calls me home;” and she did exactly as he asked.

On Monday, July 9, 2018, Irma’s call to stand at her post had come to an end. The Lord whispered to her “Well done, my      faithful servant. Your service is complete. She’s now at rest from her life’s long journey, waiting to enter into her new home, a building not made by human hands.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents, Angelle Pryor and Charlie Johnson; 2 siblings, Theodore Pryor and Dorothy Dennis; her husband, Earl Mason, Sr.; 3 sons, Earl, Jr., Wade, Sr., and Sewell; 2 granddaughters, Cary River Harris and Garriner Harris.

She leaves to cherish her memories, 2 daughters, Mary L. Stansberry (Benjamin) and Sheila B. Hawkins (Adam); one son, Gary Mason of New Orleans; two daughters-in-law, Barbara Mason of Atlanta, GA and JoeAnn Mason Valdery of New Orleans; 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.