94, was called to her Heavenly Father's home on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at the Hospice Care of Providence.
She was born in Marion, South Carolina, to the late George and Mattie Jane (Johnson) Montgomery. She is one of eleven (11), having six sisters and four brothers.
In September 1929, she moved to Princeton, New Jersey with her family. Attending Princeton Pubic Schools, she received her advanced education in Home Economics, Drama, and Interior Decorating. She attended the First Baptist Church of Princeton, where the late Rev. W. T. Parker baptized her March 3, 1935.
In 1943 she came to Providence, RI where she worked at Quonset Point Naval Base. In 1945, Mabel met the man who was to become her husband, the late Joseph Peter Silvia and on December 27, 1947 they were married.
Deacon Silvia joined Union Baptist Church on October 15, 1949 under, Rev. Edward Blyden III. She was a faithful and active member of Union Baptist Church for 63 years where she served as Church Clerk, which she held that position for 38 years. Being a. devout Christian and church worker, Deacon Silvia has held many positions such as Sunday School Superintendent, Financial Secretary, Sunday School teacher, President of the Junior and Senior Usher Board and a member of the Senior Choir. Served on the State of RI Ushers Board in the Nursing Unit and was President of the Missionary Society for seven years. She was a member of the Jubilee Singers, Helping Hand Club, and the Women's Ministry.
On May 20, 1984 Deacon Silvia was the first female for Union Baptist Church to be Ordained as Deacon by the Rev. Ronald L. Carter. She was a member of the Deacons Alliance and served 2 years as Chaplain and also served as Corresponding Secretary.
Deacon Silvia's strong faith in God, which was instilled in her from early childhood, helped her to do may great things for her church, community and friends. She always asked God for one day at a time, to live so that He could use her, anytime, anyplace, anywhere -- in church, among her friends, in the community or in her home. She worked hard to serve her Master. Her motto was: "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain."
Deacon Silvia or also known as "Miss Mae" is survived by three stepchildren, Virginia Walker, Richard Addison and Barbara Gibbs all of Pawtucket, one God daughter Diana Swainson of Ewing, New Jersey, two loving sisters Willa Mae Tadlock and Helen Bess of Princeton, New Jersey; the late brothers: George, John, Frank, and Leon, the late sisters: Carrie, Oneta, Katheen, Grace, and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of relatives and friends.Calling hours will be held Monday, June 10th from 9am to 10:45am followed by a service at 11am in the Union Baptist Church, 50 Lupine St, Pawtucket. Burial will follow.