Mary Alice Nutter, lovingly known by family and close friends, as Audie, 79, of Gettysburg, PA. A child of God died Saturday June 8 peacefully in her home. Born May 24, 1945 in Gettysburg, PA. She was the daughter of the late Margaret V. Thomas Nutter and Waymen R. Nutter. She is survived by sisters Jane Nutter of Gettysburg and Donna Nutter Dawson(Dr. Michael Dawson), Midlothian, VA and sister cousin Sarah “Missy” Brumback Roache ( brother cousin Ronald M. Roache) of Matthews, NC. And favorite nephew-cousin Christopher R Roache, Matthews, NC. She was predeceased by her mother and father Margaret and Wayman Nutter along with sister Cassie Ann Nutter and nephew Eric C. Nutter.
Mary Alice was a Gettysburg High School graduate where she often performed as the soloist for the High School Choir. Music and dancing were her lifeblood! She received her BA degree from West Chester University her Masters Degree from Kean University in NJ. She later continued additional education at Shippensburg University.
Mary Alice throughout her life, from childhood to adulthood she was a trailblazer. She was a champion for those who felt they had no voice and a fierce advocate for social justice and equality.
Mary Alice was the first Black American teacher in the integrated Gettysburg Area School District System in 1968; she was on the ground floor in establishing the Adams County office for Aging as well Migrant Education Programming in Adams County. In addition, she became the Administrator for Minority Affairs at Cumberland County College, Vineland, NJ. As a social justice advocate, her community efforts included being the founding mother of the Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Event. She also established and implemented the Adams County Career Aid Project which is currently managed by SCCAP ; this program assists youth in furthering their education. Because she had a deep love for our community she began the Third Ward Concerned Neighbors. This group assisted folk with equal access to educational opportunities, fair housing, equitable access to medical care and anti-drug walks throughout the streets of Gettysburg. She also served on the St. James Lutheran Church Council and a member of the Social Justice Committee. Mary Alice was fiercely committed to equity and fair play for and to all.
Throughout her life she received many accolades and awards both locally and nationally. While she was honored to have received them, Mary Alice considered her efforts as selfless acts. Simply, doing the right thing. In her later years Mary Alice fulfilled a dream instilled in her by her late mother, by establishing the Gettysburg Black History Museum.
Funeral services will be held at St. James Lutheran Church, 109 York St, Gettysburg, PA on
Monday June 24, Viewing 9:00 -11:00 am, Services begin at 11:00 am.
In Lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Mary Alice Nutter to the National Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 322 8th Ave, 16th Floor NY,NY 10001. The Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements, online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
Previous Events
Visitation
24
Jun
109 York St.
Gettysburg, PA
Service
24
Jun
109 York St.
Gettysburg, PA
Cemetery Details
Location
799 Baltimore St.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
