Mary M. Soaries

Mary M. Soaries—affectionately known to all as “Mother Soaries or Mitzi”—was born on May 30, 1931, in Montclair, New Jersey, to the late Squire and Mary Pinkard. On Wednesday, March 26, 2026, at the blessed age of 94, she peacefully transitioned from this life into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

From an early age, Mary’s presence was impossible to overlook. While attending Montclair High School, she made history as the first Black majorette, carrying herself with confidence, elegance, and quiet determination. She also served as a cheerleader, a role that mirrored the very essence of who she was—uplifting, encouraging, and full of spirited energy. These early accomplishments were just a glimpse of the woman she would become: a trailblazer, a motivator, and someone who naturally inspired others to rise to their best.

Professionally Mother Soaries was as diverse as her wardrobe. She was an educator, piano teacher, vocal coach, and entrepreneur having co-owned a construction company that built post office facilities throughout the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Those who knew her best would agree: her life was defined by four enduring loves—God, family, fashion, and music.

A Love for God

Faith was the cornerstone of Mother Soaries’s life. A lifelong believer and devoted servant, she was a pillar in her church and community. As the faithful and talented church organist at St. Paul’s Seventh Day Christian Church—where her husband, the late Rev. DeForest B. Soaries, Sr., served as pastor—her music filled the sanctuary and uplifted souls. She was a musical director and choir leader, inspiring countless voices to sing praises with excellence and joy and was well known for her directorship of the First Baptist Church Senior Fellowship Choir.

Her ministry extended beyond performance; she lived out her faith daily. Those who crossed her path experienced her warmth, kindness, wisdom, and unshakable trust in God. Her life of service was truly a melody that glorified Him.

A Love for Family

In 1950, Mary M. Pinkard was united in holy matrimony to DeForest B. Soaries, Sr. Their union was one of shared purpose, deep faith, and enduring love. As they began building their family, they first welcomed their sons, DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. and Craig E. Soaries. During those early years, Mary also lovingly opened her heart and home to her nieces, Elizabeth Jackson and Katherine A. Taylor, raising them as her own daughters and nurturing them within the family unit.

Finally, the family was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Terri R. Soaries, completing a household rooted in love, faith, and unity.

Mother Soaries and her husband created a home grounded in love, discipline, education, and service to others. She modeled integrity and perseverance, always encouraging her children and extended family to strive for excellence and to trust God’s plan. A mother to many, she comforted, mentored, and uplifted all who were blessed to be in her care.

A Love for Fashion

Mother Soaries had an unforgettable sense of style that turned every room into her runway. Whether attending worship service, a family gathering, or simply running errands, she was always impeccably dressed—her signature hats, carefully coordinated outfits, and radiant smile made her presence instantly known. Her love for fashion wasn’t just about appearance; it was about self-respect, dignity, and joy in presenting her best self to the world. That same passion left an indelible mark on her children. They often joked that they “knew better” than to show up around their mother looking anything less than polished. She trained them, lovingly and unforgettably, to display and personify excellence—no excuses!

For her, fashion was a reflection of gratitude: gratitude for life, for family, and for the blessings God provided. Elegant on the outside and graceful within, she taught all who knew her that true beauty begins in the heart but shines brightest when it’s carried with confidence and care.

A Love for Music

Music was the soundtrack of Mother Soaries’s life—and her gift to the world. A classically trained musician, she earned her degree in Music from Montclair State University and became an accomplished pianist, organist, and voice instructor. But above all, she was known for her remarkable singing voice—rich, powerful, and full of emotion. She performed and served in the Eastern Choral Guild performing throughout the northeast. Whether leading a choir, teaching a student, or lifting her voice in worship, she sang with a depth that moved hearts and stirred souls.

She served faithfully as organist and choir director at St. Paul’s Seventh Day Christian Church, where her music became an essential part of the worship experience. She also served as Music Director of Trinity United Presbyterian Church and several other churches as musician and choir director. As a music teacher and vocal instructor, she trained and mentored countless individuals, helping them discover not only their musical ability but their confidence.

To Mother Soaries, music was more than performance—it was ministry. Every note she played and every song she sang reflected her love for God and her desire to bring joy and inspiration to others.

A Life Well-Lived

Mother Soaries’s adventurous spirit took her far beyond Montclair, New Jersey. She loved traveling with family and friends, exploring new destinations, meeting new people, and sharing laughter wherever she went. She lived every moment gracefully, purposefully, and joyfully.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Rev. DeForest B. Soaries, Sr. (1975); her parents; and her seven siblings—Alice Smith, Norman Pinkard, Sr., Emma Stilles, Clarence Pinkard, Carrie Kee, Samuel Pinkard, and Frederick Pinkard, Sr. She leaves behind a loving legacy that spans generations. Those she cherished most include her three children, DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. (Donna), Craig E. Soaries (Shirley), and Terri R. Soaries, two nieces raised as daughters, Elizabeth Jackson (J.J.) and Katherine A. Taylor, her grandsons, Malcolm D. Soaries and Martin D. Soaries, her beloved great niece Krystal A. Taylor, and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, generations of extended family, church members, and friends who will continue to celebrate the music and spirit of her life. She will also be missed by special friends – Yvonne Freeman, Louise Jennings, Venus Crute, Danford Robinson and Deacon Calvin Williams.

Her melody may have ended on earth, but its echo continues—in faith, in family, in the lives she touched, and in the harmony, she created everywhere she went.