Gretchen R. Makell

Gretchen Romaine Makell, first child born to the late Robert Williams Sr. and Flossie Mae Hicks, came into this world on July 21, 1950. She departed this life for a better one on June 24, 2016 after a brief battle with lung cancer. Gretchen was lovingly called "Miss G" by anyone who knew her, from her family to even a casual
acquaintance, by all of which, she will forever be missed and loved.

Gretchen was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System from which she graduated, just as her mother Flossie, from Paul Lawrence Dunbar Senior High School in June 1968. Immediately after high school, she began to further her technical and clerical training at a local community college. Shortly thereafter, she
began a promising career at Social Security Administration. Gretchen faithfully served as a Technical Support Specialist for the Office of Disability, a Lead Claims Investigator before concluding her 42 year career as an Administrative Assistant.

At a very early age with her father, Robert Sr., Gretchen attended Fountain Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dennis Barrow. Also at FBC, Gretchen received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, was baptized and joyfully developed
her love of singing. A prominent citizen of east Baltimore, where she raised Allison and Alex, Gretchen became a member at Harlem Park Community Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Raymond Kelly, III. There she also sung on the
choir and served the Lord for several years. Gretchen later returned back to Fountain Baptist Church around 2005 and was a faithful member until her untimely death, serving, praising the Lord and yes... .singing on the choir.

"Miss G" expressed her gift of helps with open heartedness and thoughtfulness to everyone she loved or even met. At times, she would gravitate to the needs of a stranger before attending to her own wants and desires. Confident in her gifts and abilities, Gretchen cooked several meals for her family during several occasions. She religiously made sure you did not leave her home hungry and you better not talk about her food. As they say, Gretchen was a trip! But we are going to miss her cooking for sure.

Her love, strength and dignity as a resourceful black woman, raising two kids in the inner city, was an accomplishment and a blessing that makes life's journey worthwhile.Gretchen's dedication and unconditional devotion to her children, grandchildren and her cousin Barry seemed unprecedented to say the least. She especially
loved to take her grandchildren, Amayah and Ali to church and share stories with them about the love of Jesus.

The name Gretchen means "PEARL". How precious Gretchen was inwardly, although outwardly she may have had to display a hardened exterior because of
her journey through life, but to God Be The Glory! Gretchen is now smiling with an endless heart of joy wearing her crown of gold with her Savior and Lord.

Her sister, Sheila Wilson preceded her in death.

Gretchen leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved daughter, Allison; her beloved son Alex; her two beloved grandchildren, Amayah and Ali; her four brothers, Robert Jr., Andre (Tisha), Warren and Gregory; her two sisters, Charlotte and Iris; cousin and long-time caregiver, Barry, and a host of other cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.