Mildred Marie Myster

Her Journey Mildred Marie Myster’s life journey began 103 years ago on August 24, 1914 in Woolford, MD. She was the second of two children born to the late James Alfred Myster and Lizzie Seymour Myster. The year she was born, the 28th president of the United States, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, was in office. It only cost 7 cents to go to the segregated movie theater, and you could purchase bread and milk for around 18 cents. Mildred’s journey continued with her graduation from Cambridge Colored High School on Pine Street in Cambridge with the proud class of 1931. There is still one living member of this proud class, William Giles who enjoyed celebrating and visiting with Mildred every year to celebrate their birthdays. Soon after “Mil” graduated, she left Cambridge and went to live and work in the big city of Philadelphia. She was welcomed by her Philly relatives, and soon found work being a domestic/nanny to several Jewish families in the area. In her spare time, she found time to be a hat model for one of the local milliners, and would often be seen on her visits home sporting the latest Philly fashion along with a beautiful hat. After Mildred’s mother died, her father married Sadie Bailey. From this union, Mildred was blessed with six new siblings: Betty, Annette, Barbara, Phyllis, Lizel, and Jackie. Having an older sister who lived in Philly was a plus for the children. Each time Mil visited home, she brought back the latest and greatest to her younger siblings. Tragedy struck the family twice, with the passing of both of her younger siblings parents. In 1948 when there was talk of “parceling” out the children to various family members, Mildred made the ultimate sacrifice. She immediately packed her bags and left her life in Philly to come home to be the caregiver of her younger siblings. She would often say, “I wanted the children to stay together, and there was no other way.” When Mil returned to Cambridge, she hit the ground running. She found employment with several of the local factories in town and lovingly provided for her younger siblings. She later gained employment with Campbell Soup in Chestertown, MD, sharing a ride with her dear friend, the late Leah Chase. While at Campbell Soup, Mil served as an AFL-CIO union representative, and retired in 1978. Upon her retirement, Mil was still busy. She got bit by the “travel bug.” She loved to go on bus trips, and one of her favorite things to do while traveling was to collect mugs from her trips and those of her family. Needless to say, with two curio cabinets full of mugs, she was bitten over and over by the travel bug. For a person who never had a driver’s license, she got around. In addition to traveling, she loved being outside. People would often say “I saw Mil” when really it was her “backside” as she piddled in her flower beds and swept the driveway even when she was over 100. She was a great cook, and was known for her delicious rolls, especially the cinnamon ones. No matter how many “extras” showed up at meal time, they always had a place at her table. As she progressed in age, she enjoyed spending time with her friends at the Cambridge Senior Center. She was a member of the “Senior Strutters” and didn’t mind showing you her smooth moves. There was always a game of Bingo going on, and when you visited her, she would have no trouble pointing out things she had won, or things she had made at the center. Mildred’s religious roots were firmly planted at Waugh United Methodist Church, which was later renamed Waugh Chapel U.M. Church. Mildred was active in her church and could be seen ushering in her starched white uniforms on Sunday mornings. She was active in the Hot Meal Ministry, Progressive Guild, Older Adult Ministry, and served for many years as president of the United Methodist Women. She loved her church, and her church family and was always proud to say that she was a member of “Waugh.” Mildred became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Oziel Chapter #23 over 66 years ago. She served the chapter both as the Associate Matron and the Worthy Matron as well as other offices during her tenure. She was honored in 2002 along with other Eastern Star members for having served over 50 years in the organization and she received many citations over the years. As Mil continued her journey, she reluctantly gained a new home at Mallard Bay Nursing Home. While there, she could be found, along with the “wheelchair” crew checking out things going on in the 2nd wing hallway. She became a much loved resident of Mallard Bay, and was called “Granny” and “Mom” by more than one. It was here she was “adopted” by a young lady named Sherri who served as a surrogate daughter and provided company and love to her until her last day. Mil’s journey ended peacefully in the morning on July 7, 2018 at Mallard Bay Nursing Home. Throughout her life’s journey, she saw and experienced many things. A man walking on the moon for the first time, color television, air conditioning, cell phones, and even the election of the first African American president. But the thing that she was most proud of, was being the Matriarch of the Myster family, and enjoying the success and life experiences of her family. She leaves a legacy of love and caring with her sisters; T. Annette Myster and Phyllis Myster both of Cambridge, MD; brother Jackie A. Myster (Joyce) of Woodstock MD; 4 nieces, Regina, Wyrita, Kimerly, and Michelle; nephew Tyrone; special great-nephew Zhaden; as well as a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Alonzo Myster and 3 sisters, Betty Cornish, Eliza (Lizel) Myster and Barbara Simms. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mildred Marie Myster, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Mildred Marie Myster

August 24, 1914 - July 7, 2018