Exia Mae Ingram

On February 16, 1932, in Blanchard, TX, a baby girl was born to Cleveland and Lola Mae Andrews. Both parents, and her 1 brother, Sammy Smith, preceded her in death. She grew up in Cleburne, TX, then eventually moved to Houston, TX in later years. Although the proud couple named their child Exia Mae Andrews, she has become known also as Mother Dear, Mama Exia, Missionary Ingram, Greenlee, and Big Mama. The name “Greenlee” came from her second husband, Edward Greenlee. Prior to him, she was married to George Ingram, whose last name she kept. Both husbands preceded her in death. After graduating high school, Exia pursued nursing at San Jacinto Community College, then finished and got an Associates Degree in Nursing from North Harris County College. She went on to get a Certification in Evangelism and received a Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Gospel Ministry Outreach Theological Institute on July 1, 1994. To raise money for school, Exia started off as a school cook. Once she completed her nursing education, she worked as a nurse at MD Anderson Cancer Center. She retired from MD Anderson Cancer Center after 28 years. However, she maintained her career as a Certified Evangelist and a Lay Chaplain. Her relationship with the Lord began at an early age. She was a dedicated member of Little York Church of God in Christ where she was the president of the Sewing Circle. She was also a teacher for the Sunday school, BYPU, and Vacation Bible School. Her heart was big and in it lived an unending supply of compassion for those in need and the less fortunate. She traveled extensively and touched many lives. Most important, Exia believed in God and had abiding faith. Exia leaves to cherish her memory one devoted and loving daughter: Lonnie Faye Davis, one granddaughter: Shontaye Joseph, one God-son: Timothy Smith (Brenda), several cousins: Bennie Jean Lister, Vicky Hampton, Michael Delaney (Gloria), Bennie Lee Delaney (Philipa), Jessie Hester (Don), William Delaney (Linda), Renee Jackson, Cassie Stepney, Thelma Lee, Kenneth Davis, Linda Strauss, Rosanne Brown (Andre), Helen Mims (Lisil), Reginald Williams, and Yolanda Steward (Raymond), and a host of other relatives and friends.