Mae Carolyne Perez-Cuffe

“May the Works I’ve done, Speak for me; May the Service I give, Speak for me; May the Life that I live, Speak for me; When I’m resting in My grave, and there’s nothing to be said; May the Works I’ve done, Speak for me.”  These words of an old gospel song speak to the life and character of a person’s good works and heart-felt generosity. Mae Carolyne Perez-Cuffe was one such individual.

Mae Carolyne was born in Lakeland, FL on August 2, 1945, to the late Hayward Leroy Walker, Sr. and Brownie Mae Walker. The 3rd oldest born of their union, she was raised in both Lakeland and Miami, FL.

Mae Carolyne’s first marriage was to Emanuel Perez II and on November 18, 1963, she received the greatest title of her lifetime…“Mother” to the birth of their handsome son, Emanuel Perez III. Yes, she spoiled him; always came to him, and his family rescue and answered his ever beckon call as she poured her heart into him. She was determined to hopefully instill in him values that would shape him into a man of pride, dignity, and character. She was so proud of her son especially as he went on to serve his country and fellow citizen for 5 years in the U.S. Army. Later in life, as the world turned, on June 16, 1984, she met and married her ‘Boaz’ Earl Cuffe.  Earl showed that he loved her as Christ loves the church, when he stayed by his queen’s bedside day and night; and taking excellent care of her while she was in Home Hospice. While even being so careful not to “miss a beat” as at the same time he was also taking care of his darling ‘100’ year old mother, Mother Thelma Cuffe right in the next bedroom. Earl was right there by Mae
Carolyne’s bedside when she came out of her 3rd Coma, opened her eyes bright for her final glance at him, as to say “Good-Bye”, then closed her eyes again; took her final breath as she took her Master’s hand and went on to the promised land where the streets are paved in gold; the weary are at rest; where there is no more pain, heartaches, wickedness, sorrows or trouble; but to the place where every day is like Sunday!   

 At an early age Carolyne, accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and personal Savior and joined the 93rd Street Community Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Alonzo Anderson, and then under the current Pastor and President of the National Florida Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Carl Johnson. There she served in the Mass Choir, the Anderson’s & Community Specials. Even though she often laughed and said that she couldn’t ‘hold a tune in a bucket’ it never stopped her from singing to the top of her lungs her favorite song, “Oh Peter, Walk Out On The Water & Don’t Be Afraid” LOL!  After relocating to Clermont FL, she became a faithful member of: The Lords House International Church under the awesome leadership of Pastor Wesley Harris; there she served in the: Senior Ministry. She later moved to Port St. Lucie and connected herself with the Body of Christ at the: Treasure Coast Church of God, under the dynamic leadership of Pastor Raymond Franklin; there she served in the: Ladies Ministry and ‘Sista’s With A Vision.’ 

Mae Carolyne received her formal education through Miami-Dade Public Schools. She attended Holmes and Poinciana Elementary; D. A. Dorsey Middle School; and received her High School Diploma in 1963 and became a mighty “Bull” from the one and only Miami Northwestern High School. Afterwards, she then attended & graduated from Miami Dade College with an A.A. Degree in Business Administration. 

After graduation, she began her working career and was the 1st African American Executive Director of the Jordan Marsh Stores Corporate Office. She has also worked for Miami Dade County
Public Schools as a Bus Driver.  She believed in everyone having good teeth and would often ask those around her to show her their teeth LOL! This passion led her to start working at the Miami Dade County Health Department as a Dental Assistant. She later continued her working career for 32 years at: the State of Florida Unemployment Compensation Office as an Adjudicator; and finally retired at the State of Florida Department of Disability, as a Medical Disability Examiner. While working at the State of Florida, Mae Carolyne was a member of several organizations which included International Association of Personnel Employment Security (I.A.P.E.S.) and received many distinguished Certificates and Merit Awards. She was also very active in serving her community and became a distinguished member of the Order of Eastern Stars with the highest degree (7 Seas) of the International F. & A. M. Masons, Inc. 2nd Osie Williams Chapter #255 Miami, Florida, and Unity Chapter #158. Nothing gave her joy like shopping, being with her family, friends, and being the true Comedian that she was.   

On August 13, 2023, Mae Carolyne passed away in Home Hospice but not before putting up a good fight of faith and now she’s resting in the safe arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is predeceased by her loving parents Hayward Leroy Walker, Sr. (Brownie Mae Walker); and by her amazing God-fearing sisters: Betty Jo Paschal (William); Mary Alice Thomas (Jim); and Hazel Lee Barnes (Wesley). She leaves behind treasured memories to her dear Husband, Earl Cuffe (his mother Thelma Cuffe; deceased son Roger); her Son, Emanuel Perez III (Vandella); her witty Brother, *Hayward Leroy Walker, Jr.; her (5) Grandchildren & (4) Great-Grandchildren: *Brandy Perez (Sani & Carly-Rose); *Candice Perez-Washington (Henry) (Serenity & King); *Emanuel ‘Manny’ Perez IV; *Danielle Perez; and *Daniel Perez; her (10) Nieces: *Rev. Marietta Freeman *Priscilla Diane Mann (Jessie ‘Jet’) *Berna-dette Regina Paschal-Graffread (Arthur) *Fredonna Paschal Ross (Odies) *Carlita Willis (Torey) *Carlina Harris (Willoctrus) *Katrina Browne (Wendell); Nichelle Jones (Clyde)

*Teresa Barnes; and *Sharell Duhart; her (5) Nephews: *Jerome ‘Jerry’ Walker (Sandra) *’Tyrone ‘Terry’ Ellis (Chong); *Fredrick Russell Ellis (Tiffany); *William Coley Paschal (Debra deceased) *Brent (deceased); *Eric Walker and *Hayward Leroy Walker III; the only 2 remaining oldest Family Members & Cousins: Aretha Owens and Bevelyn White; her (3) Sisters-in-law: *Lois Brown (Dennis); *Marcia Ninton (Michael); *Mary Gregory (Hernando); her 2 Brothers-in-law: *Patrick (Maurine) Cuffe; and *Ronald Cuffe (Pauline);  her best friends, *Auretta Taylor; *Jackie Taylor; *Barbara Benjamin; *Sandra Forbes; and *Trina Winkler; her Prayer and Intercessor Friend, *Evangelist Willene Sasser; and precious memories to a host of other sorrowing Family Members, Great & Great-Grand Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Classmates, Ex-Co-workers, loving & Devoted Friends.  

A visitation will be held on Saturday August 26 from 2PM to 5PM with a service to start at 5PM at Haisley Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34984.