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Tuesday, January 30, 2007 12:00 PM CST
MLK Center director touched many lives
Martinov's attorney fights to free him from jail
Culver lays out budget plan
MLK Center director touched many lives
Crime drops in Cedar Falls in 2006
Groups push to change residency law
Courier publisher entering Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame
DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
MLK Center director touched many lives
By PAT KINNEY, Courier Business Editor
WATERLOO --- Mary S. Theroith was a living example of the concept of "pay it forward." If someone does something good for you , pass it on to other people.
She was one of the first recipients locally of a Habitat for Humanity house, then encouraged others to get into the program.
She raised five children --- including two sets of twins --- through difficult personal relationships and became an advocate for single parents and victims of domestic violence.
She was taken under the wing of the longtime director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Martha Nash, and succeeded her as director, providing educational opportunities to a new generation of African-Americans and disadvantaged youths.
And by maintaining all her activities while battling cancer, she inspired all whose lives she touched.
Theroith, 48, died Sunday at Covenant Medical Center.
"I kind of consider her my mom, like a cross between a mentor and a mother," said Quentin Hart, associate director of multicultural affairs at Hawkeye Community College. "She touched so many people's lives we probably won't know the full impact she had on people for some time."
"The community may have lost her physically but spiritually, she lives in the hearts of a lot of people in this community," Theroith's daughter, Syreeta, said.
A native of Tchula, Miss., and the oldest of 12 children, Theroith became a teen mother and dropped out of high school. She was living in Chicago with her mother when she visited a cousin in Waterloo and decided to move here to get an education.
After getting her GED from Hawkeye Institute of Technology, now Hawkeye Community College, she received her business certification. While working as a night maid, 19-year-old Mary went to the MLK Center for the "My First Job" program, leading to a job at Waterloo Industries.
Marriage and two sets of twins were followed by a divorce. She quit her job and was hired as a receptionist at the MLK Center, then went back to school for her bachelor's degree. She raised five kids, excelled in her job and stayed on the honor roll.
Betty Jean Furgerson, a former member of the Iowa Board of Regents and the sister of longtime MLK Center Director Martha Nash, said her sister "did a lot of mentoring" of Theroith and pushed her in her work. "She saw Mary had the potential to do a lot. I think she grew a lot from the time she started working there."
In 1995, when the center became part of HCC, and Nash's own health declined, Theroith succeeded her. She continued to use a hands-on approach to motivate teens.
"They used to call me that 'crazy lady in the red car' because I'd stop to talk to kids who I saw just standing around on the street," Theroith said in a 1999 Courier interview. "I'm not afraid to preach to them ... I'm that angel on their shoulder, pushing them to succeed."
Theroith was an organizer of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner in Waterloo, celebrating the history and legacy of the civil rights leader.
"Mary’s death is a tremendous loss to the college and to our community," HCC President Greg Schmitz said. "She truly dedicated herself to her family, the Martin Luther King Center, Hawkeye Community College and to the community. The people fortunate to have known Mary will remember her as a person who worked tirelessly to create a celebration of diversity, not just a tolerance for differences."
In her capacity at the MLK Center, Theroith worked with young women and single parents in bad situations, trying to teach them self sufficiency --- at the same time, on a personal level, making sure her former husband had a place in their children's lives.
"We divorced each other, not the children," she said.
In 2000, she received the Sunshine Peace Award from the Sunshine Lady Foundation for aid to victims of domestic abuse, established by billionaire investor Warren Buffet's sister. She also was named Waterloo radio station KBBG's Parent of the Year in 2002 and Citizen of the Year in 2003.
Theroith's pastor, Rev. Joseph Baring of Payne AME Church, said, "She was a good, spirited young lady. She was strong. Her health was not what she would have it be, but she kept functioning. She was really concentrating on not only her community, but her children and their well being. It's a tragedy at 48 years old the graces she had were cut short, we weren't able to use all she had, but she did wonderful work."
One of Theroith's graces was a winning smile.
"I like smiling because it's the universal language," she once said. "I've got a little light, and I like to let it shine on everyone around me."
Contact Pat Kinney at (319) 291-1484 or pat.kinney@wcfcourier.com.
She was one of the first recipients locally of a Habitat for Humanity house, then encouraged others to get into the program.
She raised five children --- including two sets of twins --- through difficult personal relationships and became an advocate for single parents and victims of domestic violence.
She was taken under the wing of the longtime director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Martha Nash, and succeeded her as director, providing educational opportunities to a new generation of African-Americans and disadvantaged youths.
And by maintaining all her activities while battling cancer, she inspired all whose lives she touched.
Theroith, 48, died Sunday at Covenant Medical Center.
"I kind of consider her my mom, like a cross between a mentor and a mother," said Quentin Hart, associate director of multicultural affairs at Hawkeye Community College. "She touched so many people's lives we probably won't know the full impact she had on people for some time."
"The community may have lost her physically but spiritually, she lives in the hearts of a lot of people in this community," Theroith's daughter, Syreeta, said.
A native of Tchula, Miss., and the oldest of 12 children, Theroith became a teen mother and dropped out of high school. She was living in Chicago with her mother when she visited a cousin in Waterloo and decided to move here to get an education.
After getting her GED from Hawkeye Institute of Technology, now Hawkeye Community College, she received her business certification. While working as a night maid, 19-year-old Mary went to the MLK Center for the "My First Job" program, leading to a job at Waterloo Industries.
Marriage and two sets of twins were followed by a divorce. She quit her job and was hired as a receptionist at the MLK Center, then went back to school for her bachelor's degree. She raised five kids, excelled in her job and stayed on the honor roll.
Betty Jean Furgerson, a former member of the Iowa Board of Regents and the sister of longtime MLK Center Director Martha Nash, said her sister "did a lot of mentoring" of Theroith and pushed her in her work. "She saw Mary had the potential to do a lot. I think she grew a lot from the time she started working there."
In 1995, when the center became part of HCC, and Nash's own health declined, Theroith succeeded her. She continued to use a hands-on approach to motivate teens.
"They used to call me that 'crazy lady in the red car' because I'd stop to talk to kids who I saw just standing around on the street," Theroith said in a 1999 Courier interview. "I'm not afraid to preach to them ... I'm that angel on their shoulder, pushing them to succeed."
Theroith was an organizer of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner in Waterloo, celebrating the history and legacy of the civil rights leader.
"Mary’s death is a tremendous loss to the college and to our community," HCC President Greg Schmitz said. "She truly dedicated herself to her family, the Martin Luther King Center, Hawkeye Community College and to the community. The people fortunate to have known Mary will remember her as a person who worked tirelessly to create a celebration of diversity, not just a tolerance for differences."
In her capacity at the MLK Center, Theroith worked with young women and single parents in bad situations, trying to teach them self sufficiency --- at the same time, on a personal level, making sure her former husband had a place in their children's lives.
"We divorced each other, not the children," she said.
In 2000, she received the Sunshine Peace Award from the Sunshine Lady Foundation for aid to victims of domestic abuse, established by billionaire investor Warren Buffet's sister. She also was named Waterloo radio station KBBG's Parent of the Year in 2002 and Citizen of the Year in 2003.
Theroith's pastor, Rev. Joseph Baring of Payne AME Church, said, "She was a good, spirited young lady. She was strong. Her health was not what she would have it be, but she kept functioning. She was really concentrating on not only her community, but her children and their well being. It's a tragedy at 48 years old the graces she had were cut short, we weren't able to use all she had, but she did wonderful work."
One of Theroith's graces was a winning smile.
"I like smiling because it's the universal language," she once said. "I've got a little light, and I like to let it shine on everyone around me."
Contact Pat Kinney at (319) 291-1484 or pat.kinney@wcfcourier.com.
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More Stories from News » Metro
Martinov's attorney fights to free him from jailCulver lays out budget planMLK Center director touched many livesCrime drops in Cedar Falls in 2006Groups push to change residency lawCourier publisher entering Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame
Bettsey L. Barhorst wrote on Jan 30, 2007 1:19 PM:
" What an inspiration Mary was to me during my years at Hawkeye Community College, and what a loss her death is to the community! Mary embodied the spirit of Hawkeye Community College. She reached out to transform the lives of all the students she met, from the little children in the summer programs to the older adults in retraining programs. "
Shari-Cedar Rapids wrote on Jan 30, 2007 1:46 PM:
" Leon and I are saddened by the loss of such a beautiful person. We've met Mary in the late 1980's who was a dear friend of our neighbor. May God strengthen her children, her families and all who know her. May her work continue throughout the city of Waterloo who was blessed with a precious jewel. "
Bonnie-Waterloo wrote on Jan 30, 2007 3:18 PM:
" I cannot express the amount of respect and admiration I had for Mary. She worked and lived with incredible energy, fortitude and grace. Her bright light will continue to illuminate and inspire. "
wurld wrote on Jan 30, 2007 7:26 PM:
" Ms. Theroith was the first person who gave me a chance to really realize the true potential that I really had. Even though I was just released. She told me the first time I met her that my own worst enemy was myself for not believing in myself. "
Tanara L. Colson wrote on Jan 30, 2007 9:01 PM:
" Mary (Mama) She was more than my friend she was a mother to me. She had a conquering spirit. Nothing was too big for her to get through, around, or under. She showed young women like myself to rise above everything, no matter what the situation. She will forever live on in the hearts and lives of those she touched. "
shay wrote on Jan 31, 2007 6:25 AM:
" I Knew Mary N Her Kids I Pray That All Stay Strong For The Girls U Will A Beautiful Path N U Life Ur Mother Was Ur Angel Stay Strong U Both Are "mary" N Ur Own Way We Love All U Guys "
TARA wrote on Jan 31, 2007 7:33 AM:
" MARY TOUCH EVEBODY SHE CAME IN CONACT WITH. SHE MAD EVEYBODY SMILE. MARY WAS A PERSON WHO HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE AND GET THEM TO DO WANT NEED TO BE DONE. FAMILY AND FRIEND MARY LEFT US WAY TO SOON. TO THE FAMILY ; I LOVE YOU ALL AND CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING AND I SEND MY LOVE. "
Rikki B wrote on Jan 31, 2007 8:16 AM:
" Aunt Mary was and still will remain my father, on Father's Day last year I went to my aunt's house and I was joking and I said Happy Father's Day and she had kept on telling me" I'm your daddy Rikki and I would say okay Dad. I will miss her alot. "
Linda Wright/Ann Arbor wrote on Feb 1, 2007 7:45 AM:
" I will miss Mary more than anyone will ever know. I met Mary in the early 1980's and we have been friends since, once you met her she was always there for you. Mary was a wonderful person she was someone that would help anyone that needed help, if it were in her power she would do it. She was the backbone of her family and friend that will never be forgotten. She had compassion and love for everyone. Mary was an inspiration and touched a lot of people she will be with me forever. To Mary's family you have my deepest sympathy and love. "
KENDRA THEROITH wrote on Feb 2, 2007 8:28 AM:
" MAMA....
What can I say, I'm totally at a lost for words. I love you so much and wish that you were here with me now in the physical. I want to thankyou for being my mama. I couldn't have picked a better person for the job. I truly believe that you are the epitome of a strong black woman. You have taught me a lot in the 24 years I had you in my life, and I'm so blessed to have you. I know I can go on with life with the values you have instilled in me. To my mama...you are my best friend...well besides Syreeta. Man, to be honest the house isn't the same without you. I'm trying to go on but I'm having a real hard time excepting that you won't be coming home. To the community of Waterloo...Thanks for being so good to my mother...she truly appreciated it.
Ma I love you like a fat kid love steak!!
Kendra T. "
Jackie wrote on Feb 2, 2007 9:53 AM:
" I was truly saddened to hear of Mary's passing. She was like family because she was my niece's grandmother. Many things have been said about what a wonderful woman Mary was but I don't think there are enough words to completely describe what an amazing woman she was. When she won the Sunshine Peace award I cut the article out and saved it because she was an inspiration to me. She was loving and sincere but also strong and real and I respected her for who she was. To the children, Rob, Kendra, Syreeta, Darnell and Parnell; your mother left a legacy so I encourage to you to pick up the torch and continue that legacy. I'm sure she would want you to.
May God Continue to bless you all. "
Shari-Cedar Rapids wrote on Feb 2, 2007 11:22 AM:
" Dear children of Mary, please know, you may find strength and encouragement in the Lord. He will comfort you during your hours of bereavement. No one knows the pain of losing your mother unless they have experienced it.
I lost my mother in my senior year at East High School, 1973. That was the hardest thing I have ever went thru in my life. The old saying, "He will be a mother and a father to you"...is a true saying. You must have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, I guarentee, He will walk with you, comfort you and be closer than any friend can ever be. As you bury your precious Mother today, carry on where she left off. Yes, we will all miss her but she will live thru you. God bless and keep you all! "
Minister E. L. Thomas wrote on Feb 2, 2007 12:28 PM:
" Mary, You once spoke loudly these words into my spirit and I'll never forget. I will now share these powerful words with your love ones, family and friends. My commitment to you will always be to continue to share your positive joy in Jesus Christ.
With love and appreciation I will declare and decree.....
A Song for my Sister
Mary S. Theroith
These were Mary's Words.. to me....
She Said, You Know Nita..I feel this in my Spirit....
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.
But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;
Yet to remain on in the flesh is more neccessary for your sake. And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, in no way alarmed by your opponents- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, is from God.
For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Philippians 1: 21-30
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
I count not myself to have apprehended it yet, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before me, I press toward the mark for the prize of the higher calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14
She said... this is my heartfelt prayer for all who know me, and I ask all these things and more for you, In Jesus Name, Amen
Thank you Mary, Woman of God....
Love, Nita and Martel
"
LaTanya wrote on Feb 5, 2007 9:40 AM:
" (As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.)
Anonymous
It was very hard coming to work on last Monday.... But, I know Mary is looking down on the Center smiling. The above piece was on Mary's wall in her office. There were soo many more things she wanted to do and accomplish. We talked about everything! Life, love, famiy, kids, work, school, vacations, etc.... I find comfort in knowing that after the rain comes sunshine, because the Lord said to Mary Job Well Done! She lived her life dedicated to helping others so it is up to us to carry on Mary's mission. May God continue to bless her children and family. Amen. "
Syreeta Theroith wrote on Feb 8, 2007 8:24 PM:
" Well first and foremost I want to say I truly miss my mother. I love her so much and can't believe she is gone away from us. Secondly I want to thank the community for all of their support at this time. I want the community to know that my mother would want us to continue on as if she was still here. We must keep the dream alive....To mama I love you and want you to know that we beat the odds no matter what any doctor says... Syreeta "
JAVON WINGARD wrote on Feb 9, 2007 3:37 PM:
" MY HEART IS HEAVY TO HAVE LEARNED ABOUT MARY'S DEATH SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HER FACE NO MATTER WHAT I HAVE MOVED AWAY FROM IOWA BUT THE LAST TIME I SEEN HER I ASKED ABOUT THE GED CLASS AND I WHISPERED IT TO HER AND SHE TOLD ME NOT TO BE ASHAMED OF WANTING TO GET MY GED AND TOLD ME TO COME TO AND SIGNED UP BUT I DIDN'T AND THAT WAS SOME YEARS AGO BUT MARY I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME I'M GOING FOR THAT GED AND WHEN I GET MY GED IT WILL BE DEDICATED TO YOU AND THE CONVERSATION WE HAD MY HEART IS IN MOURNIN "
Desmond Theroith wrote on Feb 11, 2007 8:23 PM:
" I just wanna thank everyone for supporting my family in these trying times and to let everyone know that never forget the thing that my aunt mary has done for so many including the community and and the people's lives she touched always remember.... "
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She will be missed wrote on Jan 30, 2007 12:35 PM: