Cora Mae George, a beloved mother known as “Mama” to her family, was born June 25, 1916. She was the youngest of seven children born to Ed Davis and Lucy (Smith) Davis. She had three brothers, Jack, Tell and Wesley, and three sisters, Katie, Rose and Nevada. Both parents, siblings and husband preceded her in death.
Mrs. George was born in Forest City, Ak., but attended school in Osceola, Ak. Unfortunately, she was unable to complete her elementary education in order to contribute to the financial support of the family. At the age of 17, she married Allen George Sr. on December 25, 1933. To this union, twelve children were born, eight sons and four daughters.
After residing in Lilbourne and New Madrid, Missouri for a short time, the family migrated to St. Louis in 1950. There she began working as a domestic until she was hired by St. Vincent’s Hospital, where she worked until retiring on June 1, 1978.
Mrs. George was a woman of honorable and commendable attributes. At the age of 12, she was baptized at St. Luke’s Missionary Baptist Church in Osceola, Ak. She continued her love for God and became a devoted member. Mama was well-respected in the community as “one who cared about all people.” Her door was always open because of her strong convictions for helping others. She instilled these same values in her children, as she reminded each of them to be available to others.
Because of her love and dedication to others, in 1992 she was the recipient of the “Mother of the Year Award” by the National Council of Negro Women, St. Louis League. In 1996, she received the St. Louis City Board of Alderman Proclamation for their 80th birthday celebration.
One of her favorite slogans was “get a good education.” She wanted her children to excel. Today, all of her children are successful in their careers, with nine of the twelve children having graduated from college. She loved all of her children dearly.
Mrs. George went to be with the Lord, on March 3, 2005 at her home, peacefully leaving to cherish her memory 12 children, Allen Jr. (Patricia), Roy Roger (Shirley), Sherman (Catherine), Ralph (Clarice), Verdell (Ernest), Gales, Alvin (Shirley), Delores (Michael) Livingston, Bernadette Stapleton, JoAnn Kelly, Walter, Donald (Susan) and Glenn; 37 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She left behind a dear friend and sister-in-law, Alberta Kellum, and three other sisters-in-law, Renet Williams, Lillie Nelson, Laura Nelson, her church family, friends and relatives.
Visitation for Mrs. George will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 11 at Granberry Funeral Home. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Newstead Baptist Church, 4370 North Market. Internment will follow the funeral at Valhalla Cemetery, 7600 St. Charles Rock Road.