Ida Mae Gaither

Ida Mae Mitchell was born May 12, 1934 to Johnnie and Vesta Mitchell (Brown) in Oscilla, Georgia. She departed this life on Monday, August 3, 2020.

At a young age, Ida Mae moved to Cincinnati, Ohio with her family — her parents and two brothers, Levi Mitchell and Earlie Mitchell (all whom preceded her in death). She was affectionately known to them as “Sista”. Ida Mae grew up in the West End and was educated in the Cincinnati Public Schools, where she attended Woodward High School. She loved school and valued education. She emphasized this to all of her children, the importance of education and the power you obtain with knowledge. She also understood that every-one learns differently, but she expected you to do your best. She never compared her children, but always encouraged them to exceed and excel beyond what she did. No limits. Ida worked for Cincinnati Bell Telephone and was later employed with Ford Motor Company until she retired in 1985.

Ida Mae had two beautiful daughters, Yvonne and Stephanie. Their family expanded when Ida Mae married the love of her life, William Gaither, Jr. on May 11, 1964. To this union, four children were born: William, Rhonda and the twins, Terri and Terrence. Now they were a family of eight and lived as one family. They loved each other and they loved their children and made sure they made a home where all could thrive and grow to be the best person they could become. The doors of their home were always open and there was always a place at the dinner table for one of the children’s friends, a family member or anyone in need. She was a giver and never wanted to see anyone without. Her gift of generosity was passed down to her family as they too are always willing to help others. She was a great cook. However, she really didn’t have to because her husband Gaither was always on the grill cooking steaks, ribs, chicken, pork chops, hamburgers, hotdogs and metts. He even made special deserts. He spoiled her and the children. Ida was fun loving and her and Gaither made sure their children had whatever they needed. She loved her family and the love for family was everything.

She attended the Bethlehem Temple Church under the pastorate of the late Bishop Elzie W. Young and the late Bishop Johnnie Johnson where she served on various auxiliaries and committees locally, regionally and nationally. She was an Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Home Missions Chairlady, Missions Chairlady and Women’s Department Chair-lady. She later attended Hope for You Family Life and Worship Center under the leadership of Bishop Larry Dempsey where she continued her work as the Chairlady of the Missions Department, Chairlady of the Mother’s Board and Sunday School Teacher.

Ida Mae loved to study the word of God, she loved to read and she loved crossword puzzles. She was a praying woman and taught her children to pray as she would gather all of them around her bedside as they prayed together as a family. She was always studying and learning new things. She also knew it was important to have a balanced life.

A woman full of class and grace. She loved fashion and shopping was near and dear to her heart. She was taught to always look your best and she passed this down to her children. She instilled in her children not only to be your best, but always look your best. How you present yourself will tell a lot about who you are. When you leave the house, you represent God, you represent yourself and you represent your family. Be proud of who you are. She also loved speaking into the lives of others, encouraging them and sharing her life experiences and how we can trust and lean on God. We can take Him at His word and He must be the center and source of our lives.

Even when her health began to fail, she remained confident in God. Her trust and faith was unwavering. She continued to be a light and witness to the nurses and staff at the nursing home, who also fell in love with her and went above and beyond to ensure she was well taken care of. Her life remained a testimony. In all things, God is still faithful. Even in death, God is still faithful. On Monday, August 3, 2020, she drifted off to sleep from earth to her eternal reward into the arms of her savior. She lived for that moment. Rest now Ida Mae, we will see you in the morning.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories: her husband, William Gaither, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Jennifer Mitchell, Amanda Warren (CA), Katheen Shearer, Diane (Art) Hatcher and Norma Gaither; brothers-in-law, Charles (Barbara) Gaither and Clifford (Pam) Gaither; children, Yvonne (John) Washington, Stephanie Hill, Calvin Jones, William Gaither, Rhonda (Fred) Lindsey, Terri (Sil) Watkins and Terrence (Coleen) Gaither; grandchildren, Rachel Washington, Emmanuel Hill, Jr. Nicholas Hill, Christian Hill, Arianna Hill, Dwana Crossty, Sierra Russell, Precious Jones, Calvin (Keyona) Fallings, Tashika Gaither, Branden Lindsey, Brittney Lindsey, Bryce Lindsey, Brianca Lindsey, Adrienne Gaither, Iman Gaither (preceded her in death) and Zyele Gaither; great-grandchildren, Anaya Gaither, Anon’Dre Gaither, Nariya Gaither, Na’Davion Gaither, Neziah Gaither, Nyara Espy, Rodney Espy, A’myra Bryant, Kasen Armstead, Mi’Ahmi Fallings, Uzziah Abdul-Salaam and Uzayr Rogers-Salaam; great-great-grandchild, Ah’Lanii Gaither; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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