Mamie

Mamie, 83 years old, finds company in the family photos crowding her tiny apartment. The Georgia native adores her home in New York City, where she has learned more about love and loss than most experience in a lifetime.

In 1940s Savannah, Georgia, Mamie Williams spent her nights as a lounge singer. But she soon sought excitement beyond the South. Mamie followed her passion to the bright lights of New York City, where she sang, fell in love, and even began a family of her own.

Sadly, her years on the lounge circuit took their toll. Mamie lost both her kidney and liver functions at just 45 years old.

Undeterred by the news, Mamie took matters into her own hands.She shocked her doctors by making vast improvements soon after her diagnosis, and Mamie began dedicating her singing talents to the church choir.

As years passed, Mamie also became a rock of support for her family.When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Mamie brought her to New York to care for her. "I don’t deserve an award," Mamie says. "It’s what you do as a daughter. She needed me. I was there."

But Mamie’s health also began to deteriorate as her mother grew weaker. The two relied on one another—and Citymeals-on-Wheels—just to survive. Just months ago, Mamie’s mother finally passed away at 101 years old.

And this tragedy was soon followed by the loss of Mamie’s grandson in an accident.

Telling us her story, Mamie suddenly looks up. “Would you like to hear him?” She stands and moves as quickly as she can to the answering machine.

She hits the play button and the room fills with a deep, male voice. "Hi, mama!" the voice says warmly. "Happy Mother’s Day… I love you so much." The recording ends and Mamie remains still.

Today, Mamie has outlived her siblings, her child and her grandchild. But she knows that Citymeals is there to provide nourishing meals and companionship at this time of great struggle in her life.

"I'm tired. But I’m still here. There must be something more to do. So I’m grateful for those who give me the chance to do those things." With help from Citymeals-on-Wheels, Mamie continues to share her love and gifts with the world.

Elderly New Yorkers like Mamie need your support. Donate to Citymeals today and ensure that they always have nourishing meals and human companionship.