Born as Mae Ella Parsons on April 16, 1922 in Ramer, Tennessee to the union of Prince Clay Parsons and Lorena (Johnson) Parsons. She was the seventh of eight children, whom all preceded her in death.

Growing up she enjoyed many things like fishing and helping her mother in the kitchen. At the age of nine, her family moved to Corinth, Mississippi, where her parents became farmers. It was in Corinth, Mississippi where she would meet her best friend and love of her life, Houston L. Garrett. In 1936, they were united in Holy Matrimony, to this union three children were born; Dorothy Jean (Garrett) Baldwin, Willie Houston Garrett and Arthur Clay Garrett, who all preceded her in death.

In 1942, they moved to East St. Louis. Upon coming to the East St. Louis area, they became members of Truelight Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend J. A. Lampley, where she learned that living a life that is pleasing in God's eyes is the only way to live. She faithfully attended services and remained a lifelong member under Reverend Henry Nicholson and current Pastor Timothy Chambers.

For years, she was still accustomed to doing things as she did growing up, such as picking fresh vegetables, canning and freezing food for her and her family.

She departed this life on June 12, 2017 at 6:05pm, while a resident at Caseyville Nursing Home, Caseyville, IL at the beautiful age of 95. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, eleven loving and devoted grandchildren, Sheila Lawrence of Collinsville, Il, William (Towana) Garrett of Phoenix, Az, Hosea Baldwin, Jr. of Belleville, Il, Ronald (Shelley) Garrett of Cincinnati, OH, Monique Baldwin Taylor of Covington, KY, Carmelita Garrett of Houston, TX, Arthur (Shanita) Garrett, Jr. of Edwardsville, IL, Anthony (Jenni) Garrett of Edwardsville, IL, Alonzo (Amy) Garrett of Alton, IL, Austin (Aisha) Garrett of Edwardsville, IL and Andrew Garrett of Edwardsville, IL; 24 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.