Obituary
Mazell Trotter Strayhorn was born July 3, 1919 in Jackson, Tennessee to the late Albert and Maggie Trotter. She was the second child of eight children. Two sisters Mildred and Mary, four brothers, Richard, Frank, J.T. and Robert, all who preceded her in death. Mazell attended Ingram Rosenwald School in Jackson, Tennessee. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and attended Lane Chapel CME Church as a faithful member where she was Secretary of Sunday School.
Mazell was always styling and profiling with her hats. She loved her family and was willing to help anyone at anytime. Everyone became accustom to her beautiful smile: where her one dimple could tell a story. She loved to bake, travel, and go out to dinner, especially to Long John Silver's. Mama (Mazell) always said "Prayers cannot be answered unless they are prayed" and "I may not have much, but here's a piece of change for you."
On November 25, 1936, she was united in Holy Matrimony to the late John Henry Strayhorn Jr. Seven children were raised from this union. They later relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio in December 1939. Mazell was a dedicated employee at both General and Christ Hospital. She united with Peace Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Joseph Hudson. She surrendered 60 plus years of service and dedication to Peace Baptist Church. Mazell was an active and faithful member until her health failed.
The last page of her life was underscored and written on Thursday January 5, 2012, at which time she was promoted through the Heavenly Gates. In her parting, Mazell leaves not to mourn, but to cherish her 92 years of amazing memories and to continue her legacy: Virginia Wiley (Samuel) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Patsy R. Cole of Cincinnati, Ohio, Gregory Strayhorn (Grace) of Detroit, Michigan. A honorary daughter, Alice Coleman of Cincinnati, Ohio, two daughter-in-laws, Loretta and Eula Strayhorn of Cincinnati, Ohio, one sister, Martha Weddle of Jackson, Tennessee. Four children preceded her in death: Sherman, Margaret, Willie Cleveland "Brother," and Vickie. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her loving memory: 28 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.