"Maria Fearing"{July 26,1838-May 23,1937}

Born a slave near Gainesville Alabama,completed the ninth grade,learning to read and write at age 33.As a house servant,she spent much of her time with her mistress and the other children.Mrs Amanda Winston taught her children and young Maria the Presbyterian catechism and told them bible stories and tales about missionaries in Africa.These stories about Africa left a deep impression on Maria.She worked her way though the Freedman's Bureau School in Talladega to become a teacher.At age 65 Maria went to the Congo,where for more than 20 years,she worked as a Presbyterian missionary and eventually established the Pantops Home for Girls in 1915.She taught in the mission day school and Sunday school and worked with women in surrounding vilages.Her students nicknamed her "mama wa mputu" (mother from far away) as to reflect their love and application.At the age of 78,Maria was encouraged to retire.In 1918 she received the Loving Cup,a honor bestowed on her by the Southern Presbyterian Church.After returning to Alabama,Maria taught at a church school in Selma,and later andlater returned to Sumter County,where she died.Maria was inducted into the Alabama Women'shall of fame. in 2000