Mother Mildred Hall Program

The Church at Worship SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 Visitation: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | The Church at Worship: 11:00 AM St. Luke Baptist Church 139-145 A.M. Tyler Place, Paterson, New Jersey 07501 Reverend Dr. Kenneth D.R. Clayton, Host Pastor Worship Leader - Reverend Clifton McDowell Senior Pastor, Church of God of East New York, Brooklyn, NY Presiding Elder, National Association of the Church of God, West Middlesex, PA Eulogist - Reverend Warren F. McDowell Senior Pastor, Prophetic Church of God, Paterson, NJ

Call to Worship & Invocation .....................................................................................................................

Congregational Hymn ..........................................................................“When We All Get to Heaven” The Holy Scriptures Old Testament - Proverbs 31:10-31 ...............................................Reverend Dr. James H. Barnes Pastor Emeritus, Orient Church of God, Jersey City, NJ New Testament - 2 Timothy 4:6-8.............................................................Reverend Melvin Farmer Pastor Emeritus, New York Avenue Church of God, Atlantic City, NJ Prayer ........................................................................................................... Reverend Rufus V. Strother Pastor, Orient Church of God, Jersey City, NJ President, New Jersey State Ministerial Conference of the Church of God Solo .......................................................................................................... Reverend Lois Key-Alexander President, New Jersey State Ministerial Conference of the Church of God Pastor, Life Abundant Church of God, Trenton, NJ Remarks.......................................................................................................Reverend Dr. James Dargan Pastor Emeritus, Community Church of God, Newark, NJ Reverend Anna Smith State President, Ministers’ Wives and Widows of New Jersey Mrs. Rosa Wililams President, United Ministers’ Wives and Widows of Paterson and Vicinity Reverend Dr. Arlie Shropshire Pastor, Neighborhood Baptist Church, Paterson, NJ Selection ........................................................................................New Jersey State Fellowship Choir Tribute to An Aunt .........................................................................................................Ms. Elbita Perez Acknowledgements & Obituary ............................................................Reverend Yolanda Mitchell Associate Minister, Church of God East New York, Brooklyn, NY Sermonic Selection ................................................................. Reverend Dr. Scott O. Cumberbatch Associate Minister, Prophetic Church of God, Paterson, NJ Eulogy ........................................................................................ Reverend Warren F. McDowell Benediction and Recessional ...................................................... The Clergy Officials & The Family

The Life Story of The Cake Lady Mildred Yvonne Lewis was born March 3, 1933 in Richmond, Virginia to Jeter Boyd Lewis and Mary Copeland Lewis. She was the only girl of six children. She attended the local schools, ultimately, at the age of 16, graduating University prior to relocating to Paterson, New Jersey to live with her maternal

wed on March 10, 1951 in San Antonio, Texas, where he was stationed in the United States Air Force. To this union was born two daughters, Yvonne Marie, and Valerie M. After returning to Paterson, New Jersey, Mildred maintained gainful employment at Kaysam Corporation of America in Paterson for twenty-five years until her retirement. Always being a family of faith, the family worshipped at the Prophetic Church of God, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Walter L. Damon. Mildred never expected that life would lead her to be married or a mother, and she truly never expected that the next chapter of her life would lead her to being a Pastor’s wife.

On June 14, 1964, following her husband and the leading of the Lord, Mildred became the founding First Lady of the Elizabeth Church of God alongside her husband. For fifty-five years, she handled her assignment as a Pastor’s wife with grace and class. She served her local congregation in many roles, including, but not limited to usher and musician. Her local work then progressed into other local, state, and national organizations. She served the New Jersey State Ministerial Conference of the Church of God as President of the State Ushers Ministry and in various capacities with the United Ministers’ Wives and Widows of Paterson and Vicinity, the New Jersey Association of Ministers’ Wives and Widows, and the National Association of the Church of God Ushers Ministry. Amid all her ministerial duties, Mildred was also known for being a culinary expert, specifically being known for her amazing cakes, thus earning her the moniker: “The Cake Lady”. While this was also something she had not planned, it became her signature until her health began to decline.

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, after having fought a long and valiant fight for more than ninety years, Mildred Yvonne (Lewis) Hall bid farewell to this mortal world. She will be missed by all.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Elder John H. Hall; her parents, Jeter Lewis, Rev. J.T. Alexander, and Mary Copeland Alexander; her brothers, Jeter, Melvin, Rev. John, and Rev. Floyd Lewis; and her youngest daughter, Valerie M. (Hall) Chestnut.

Left to cherish the memories are her eldest daughter, Yvonne (David); son-in-law, Felix; five grandchildren, John (Bridgett), David, Tameika, Jonathan (Tosha), and Tanea; 10 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Henrietta Josey; a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, the Prophetic Church of God family, the New Jersey State Ministerial Association family, the National Association of the Church of God family, and her beloved sisters of the United Ministers’ Wives and Widows of Paterson and Vicinity.

The cake shop is now closed for business!

Lovingly submitted, The Family

One day, Mildred’s mother-in-law, Sis. Roxie Josey (known for making her signature cakes) had to travel. She had been touted to make the cake for the church’s anniversary celebration, but because of her scheduled travel, she was unable. So, Mildred told her mother-in-law that she would do it. Because the cake come out great, she would now be slated as the new baker, thus birthing the moniker “The Cake Lady”.

Her signature cake flavors were coconut with pineapple filling, chocolate, 7-Up pound, carrot, and red velvet. She sometimes would be up through the night baking, ensuring that all orders were filled. Her long hours would often cause her late husband to come into the kitchen to check on her, which would also help him to become her assistant.

No matter the cake, she never left her customers disappointed!

Over the years, she made thousands of cakes for people, averaging 100+ for each major holiday, and giving her another avenue by which to minister to people.