Mae Ella Hendrix-Peeples
April 05, 1945 - April 27, 2025
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Obituary for Mae Ella Hendrix-Peeples
Mae Hendrix-Peeples, age 80, passed away on April 27, 2025.
Mae Ella Hendrix Peeples was born on April 5,1945, in Statesboro, Georgia, to Willie and Ella Mae Hendrix. She was the third of their four children: Willie C., Herbert, (Mae Ella), and David.
At the age of four, Mae Ella traveled to Boston with her mother and younger brother, David. Her father, Willie, had journeyed north alone to establish a home and secure employment before bringing His wife, his only daughter and his youngest son to their new home. One year later her older brothers Willie C. and Herbert arrived (from a stay with their Aunt Inez in St. Petersburg Florida), completing the reunification of their whole family.
From an early age, Mae Ella displayed a love for learning. She often played school, lining up sticks and dolls as her "students” before teaching her classes. Her curiosity and passion for knowledge flourished as she developed a voracious appetite for reading.
Mae Ella attended the Jeremiah E. Burke High School, excelling academically while forming lifelong friendships. She also showcased her vocal talents as a singer in the local Doo-Wop group, The Vespers.
After graduating in 1963, Mae Ella pursued higher education at Boston Teacher’s College, majoring in English Language Arts with a minor in French. Around this same time, she met Thomas L. Peeples, originally from Davenport, Iowa. Their blissful courtship led to their marriage in the summer of 1967.
Upon completing her degree, Mae Ella embarked on her teaching career as a substitute at the Lewis School. She soon secured a full-time position at Charles E. Mackey Middle School, where she dedicated herself to educating young minds while also raising her family. She and Thomas welcomed three children: Thomas L. Peeples Jr. (1970), Tamara R. Peeples-Mbengue (1974), and Tyrone Dana Peeples (1979) during her tenure at the Mackey.
In 1983, following the closure of Mackey Middle School (now the Mel King School), Mae Ella took a position at Woodrow Wilson Middle School teaching seventh-grade English Language Arts, where she spent the remainder of her distinguished thirty seven and-a-half-year career. She retired in 2005 to become the full-time caregiver for her ailing mother, Ella Mae Hendrix of Roxbury.
For the next five years, she devoted herself to caring for her mother, Ella Mae, who passed away peacefully in 2010. She then continued on in her caregiver role for her father, who, after 68 years of marriage, passed away in July of 2011 at the age of 95 just one year after his beloved Ella Mae.
During the next six years of her retirement, Mae Ella embraced life fully—writing, watching films, attending family reunions, and doting on her grandchildren, Jalen Peeples, Aiyanah Peeples , and Xander Peeples, the children of Thomas Jr. and his wife, Cynthia. She also welcomed her daughter Tamara’s husband, Abdoulaye Fall Mbengue, and grandson, Pape Birakane, into the family in 2016.
In 2018, Mae Ella faced a life-changing diagnosis of interstitial lung disease, with a prognosis of three to five years left expectancy. Despite this, she remained resilient, seeking the best medical care and facing the challenges of rheumatism and congestive heart failure with unwavering strength. She lived seven years beyond her initial diagnosis date, embodying the same perseverance and grace of her mother Ella Mae.
Mae Ella is survived by her husband, Thomas L. Peeples Sr.; her children, Thomas Jr. (Cynthia), Tamara (Abdoulaye), and Tyrone; and her cherished grandchildren, Jalen, Aiyanah, Xander, and Pape Birakane.
She is also survived by her brothers, Herbert and David; sister-in-laws Lewison Hendrix (wife of the late Willie C.), Susan Hendrix, and Erna Hendrix; as well as many dear friends and her auxiliary siblings: Burnestyne Brooks, Rev. Dannie Mae James-Green, Rosalyn Freeman, Joanne Jacobs, Leola Morris and Jerry Smith.
Mae Ella Hendrix Peeples lived a life of love, resilience, and dedication to her family and community. Her spirit, wisdom, and warmth will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her legacy as a Phenomenal Woman lives on through her siblings, countless cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, and the multiple generations of students whose lives she touched over the span of more than three and a half decades in Boston Public Schools classrooms.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to:
The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Dr. Robin Mayfield MD for her ongoing direct medical and consulting physician support for our family beginning with our Grandmother Ella Mae Hendrix during her time of transition.
Dr. Talia Salant MD and the medical team at Bowdoin Street Health Center
Dr. Akhenaten Hotep Amun, Ph.D., R.N., whom Mae Ella affectionately called her "newly adopted son."
Having just met in the late summer of 2024, Dr. Amun became not only her weekend nurse but also a compassionate confidant to his “Ma Mae” and our family. His expert medical care, thoughtful medical counsel and unwavering emotional support to any of us who sought it, was a truly godsend for our mother and by extension our family.
We are also deeply thankful to AccentCare Home Hospice and their In Patient Care Center staff, Home Helpers (Peris and her staff), and Houseworks (Lina) for their dedication and care, which allowed our mother to remain at home with dignity and comfort.
Funeral Service, Saturday, May 10 in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, at 3 o'clock. Visiting Hour 2-3 PM.
As we gather to remember Mae, the family invites guests to wear the color purple or, if preferred, to send purple flowers, as it was her favorite color.
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Tributes
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Iola Karen Blake planted 5 trees in memory of Mae Ella Hendrix - January 01, 1970
Condolences
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July 08, 2025
My sincere condolences Tammy, Tom and Tyrone and families. Your mother was one of my dearest friends. We met at Mackey School in the South End. When that was closed myself, Mae & Alice Reney transferred to the Woodrow Wilson School as a team. Mae was a wonderful teacher and an inspiration not only to her students but to her colleagues. Thank you Mae, for the fond memories🩷
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May 13, 2025
Ms. Mae Ella Peeples left such an incredible legacy as a teacher, friend and mentor at the Woodrow Wilson school. As teachers, my husband JP and I were blessed to have had her guidance and friendship during her last few years before she retired. Her passion for education and the students she served was incredible. We had many 'mentor meetings' at Cathay Pacific and woven through all of her wisdom were loving stories of her kids and grandkids. To all of the family and especially her kids, my deepest sympathy and hopes for peace until we meet again. Love and Hugs, Jenna Ponds
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May 11, 2025
Ms. Mae Ella Peeples left such an incredible legacy as a teacher, friend and mentor at the Woodrow Wilson school. As teachers, my husband JP and I were blessed to have had her guidance and friendship during her last few years before she retired. Her passion for education and the students she served was incredible. We had many 'mentor meetings' at Cathay Pacific and woven through all of her wisdom were loving stories of her kids and grandkids. To all of the family and especially her kids, my deepest sympathy and hopes for peace until we meet again. Love and Hugs, Jenna Ponds
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May 11, 2025
Ms Mae Ella Hendrix-Peeples welcomed me to the neighborhood, and we were immediately family. Our last encounter while she was alive was when she offered me much-needed advice on my medical challenge. Our encounters were always nurturing, and she will be missed. Tammie, her daughter, was devoted to her health care during these last painful years. I pray that the entire family will always remember Mother Hendrix-Peeples's eternal nurturing spirit. Lawrence "Larry Watson www.lawrencewatson.com
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May 10, 2025
I'm so sorry for the Loss of Mrs. Peeples. I was a student of Ms. Peeples at the Charles E. Mackey School. Ms. Peeples was an excellent teacher one of the ones that I will always remember personally and professionally. I remember she had a pajama party with some of us student's, imagine that. I was so happy to be invited. I got to experience a whole different beautiful, loving, kind person in a different atmosphere other than the classroom. I always tell the story about one of the things Ms. Peeples did. It was a cold winter day/ night. Ms. Peeples refrigerator wasn't working. She kept all the cold food out on the fire escape. I never seen anything or anyone do something like that but I thought it was so cool back then. It showed me that you can make a way out of no way. I've done that after seeing Ms. Peeples do it. She was just an amazing teacher. She will truly be missed. Gone but never forgotten. The only teacher that I ever got to experience more than just being a student, I got to experience being a young girl, included in a beautiful home from and extraordinary Woman. submitted with Love 💜 Lillie Martin
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May 10, 2025
My sincerest condolences. I got to work alongside Ms. Peeples at the Wilson and am very appreciative of the time I got with her. ❤️ - Julie W.🙏🏾
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May 10, 2025
Ma Mae!!!
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May 10, 2025
I worked with Mrs. Peeples at the Woodrow Wilson and she was an amazing person and educator. I loved her quick wit and motherly care. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to her family. I pray for your strength and comfort during this time of loss. -Danika Ford
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May 10, 2025
Cousin Mae Ella... My cousin, my inspiration. Your presence will be greatly missed, but your beautiful memory is in our hearts forever. Hugs to my family! I love you! Cousin Brenda Riggs
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May 10, 2025
While I did not have the chance to meet the extraordinary Ms. Mae Ella, it is clear through my work with Mrs. Mbengue the impact that she had on her daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you today, Tammy, and I hope you take the time you need to take care of yourself and heal.
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May 09, 2025
Sharing in your sorrow and hoping you & your family will find comfort in the wonderful memories your MOTHER left behind. Your Mother lives on in your hearts, family and all that you've shared. I. Karen Blake (Senior).
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May 08, 2025
My condolences to the Hendrix-Peeples family. I met Mae when we were teenagers. Her family lived in the same building as my Aunt. Many years later we reconnected as both teacher's in the Boston Public Schools. What a gift to have know her. Veda Daly
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May 07, 2025
It is no surprise that you choose lilacs as her banner. They were just one of the many flowers Mae and I "borrowed" from people's yards on the way home from school or the library. I share your sorrow my family and know that God will help you endure your pain. She is truly resting in peace awaiting the resurrection promised at John 5:28, 29. Auntie Roz
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May 06, 2025
My condolences to the Peeples family, I met Mae through our sons becoming friends through her sister in law Erna. Our sons Mark and Tom were stationed together in San Diego. Mae and me met when our sons graduated from the boost program in beautiful San Diego. May God bless and comfort the family, it is never easy to lose a mother, wife, grandmother sister, friend and colleague.
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May 02, 2025
To the Family of Mae Ella Peeples, Many Years ago I worked with Mae at the Mackey School within the Boston Public Schools. Mae was An EXCELLENT Teacher. She taught and Impacted the lives of So Many Students. Her Skillful Methods of teaching ensured each child progressed. Each parent was assisted so that their son or daughter would progress academically. Our world was a BETTER PLACE BECAUSE MAE was a part of it. I Pray God will CONTINUE To Uplift and Strengthen Mae's Children and Family Members. God Bless You 🙏🏽💓🙏🏽💗🙏🏽 Gwendolyn Clark
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May 01, 2025
My sincere condolences to the peeples family. May God strengthen you and give you courage in this circumstance. Be strong, may God console you. May God receive Mae Peeples in his hands, may the earth be light upon her. May God prepare a special place for her. Lina
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