Mary Louise Gatson was born on August 23, 1938 in New Castle, Pennsylvania.  She was the third child of Walter Blaine Smith Sr., and Pauline Garside-Smith. Her parents were entrepreneurs who owned one of the first markets that featured the preparation and sale of cut-up poultry in the general area. (Interestingly enough, Mary Louise later married Robert Gatson, a professional butcher, who helped complement Mary Louise’s special hobby of creating wonderful, delicious meals for family and friends.)

She was christened at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Castle, Pennsylvania.  She was part of the youth program through her teen years where she learned a great deal about the African American experience.  Mary Louise attended the public schools in New Castle, Pennsylvania and graduated from New Castle High School with honors.  She attended Mercy School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later transferred to a nursing school near Hamilton, Ohio, where she received her first nursing credentials.

Mary was married to William Solomon, Sr., and two sons were born of this union – William J. Solomon Jr. and Gregory A. Solomon. Mary later attended Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, where she obtained her Graduate Degree in Nursing. Pleasanton, California; Cincinnati, Ohio; Youngstown, Ohio; and Cleveland, Ohio were four cities that became part of her professional, medical employment portfolio. She was a Nursing Instructor at Cuyahoga Community College, a Central School of Practical Nursing Instructor, Medical Researcher with Case Western Reserve University and a School Nurse with the Cleveland Municipal Schools.  Additionally, she worked at various hospitals across the country. She completed her professional medical career when she retired from the Cleveland Board of Education in 2008.

Mary Louise enjoyed sewing, gardening, wine making, cooking gourmet dishes and entertaining family and friends in her home.  She was a music lover and especially enjoyed the blues creations of BB King, as well as Jill Scott’s melodies.

Her father, Walter Blaine Smith Sr.; her mother, Pauline Pettegrew; brother, Willard B. Smith and brother, Edward A. Pettegrew, all preceded her in passing.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband and partner in life, Robert Gatson; her sons, William J. Solomon of New York City and Gregory A. Solomon of Cleveland, Ohio; her sister, Carol Aeleane Lancaster (Sheridan) of Cleveland; her brother, Walter Blaine Smith of Cleveland; her very special daughters, Wanda Gatson-Nimmons and Storm Gatson of Cleveland; David Boone, her very dear student and god-son of Cleveland; and her stepson, Robert Stokley (Renita) of Toledo, Ohio.  Mary’s granddaughter, Jillian Solomon and grandson, Tre Solomon will cherish her memory.  She will be greatly missed by her granddaughter, Madison Solomon and grandson, Isaac Solomon. Additionally, Israel Park and Burger Gatson, a host of loving relatives, extended family members, dear friends and associates will miss Mary.