Charity Withers was born into slavery in 1812 in Virginia. She was later sold to a prominent attorney, Daniel Coleman, who brought her to Huntsville, Alabama, where she became the caretaker for the Coleman children. The Colemans spoke of her highly. Charity was devoted to the children and nurtured them.

Charity Withers was born into slavery in 1812 in Virginia. She was later sold to a prominent attorney, Daniel Coleman, who brought her to Huntsville, Alabama, where she became the caretaker for the Coleman children. The Colemans spoke of her highly, saying, “She comes from good stock. She belonged to a family of Negroes who had been slaves for a hundred and fifty years, all of whom bore good character.” Charity’s devotion to the children and her nurturing spirit earned her the affectionate nickname “Mammy Charity” from the neighborhood children.

Charity married James Withers, a fine man she adored. Together, they had six children: Moses, Ellen, Elmira, Julian, and Alexander, with one child lost at birth. Mrs. Withers described her husband as someone who treated her as if she were special, and he is buried by her side today. Mrs. Withers passed away on January 13, 1897, at the age of 85 due to pneumonia. 

Her funeral was a remarkable occasion held at the African Methodist Church, now known as Saint John AME Church. Rev. E.W. Williams led a heartfelt service, with hymns sung by the Normal Choir, filling the church with tender and sweet melodies. Her grave was adorned with evergreens and flowers, thought to be arranged by her friend, Xenia Pruitt, a decorator and caterer known for her thoughtful gestures. See a profile for Mrs. Pruitt in this walking tour.

Mrs. Withers’ legacy lives on through the memories she left behind, cherished by the children and community she served. Today, her story is a testament to the strength and kindness she embodied in life.

Her life was further commemorated by Maria Howard Weeden, the renowned Huntsville poet and painter, who honored Charity’s memory through poetry, ensuring that her story and character would be remembered for generations.

We're always young 'till Mammy dies,

But when her hand no longer lies

As once it did, upon our head

We feel that youth with her has fled.

We watch her wing her way to Rest,

And see ourselves upon her breast,

Our young selves, cradled as of yore,

Now borne from us forever more;

And as they soar beyond our reach,

We wave farewell to each, to each!

Howard Weeden

“Aunt Charity Passes Away,” The Journal, Huntsville, AL, Fri, Jan 15, 1897, p. 3.

Charity Withers, U.S., Freedman’s Bank Records, 1865-1874, Ancestry.com.

1880 U.S. Census, Charity Withers, Huntsville, Madison Co., AL, age 70, Ancestry.com.

Charity Withers, FindaGrave, Mem. ID 27775606.

“Death of Mrs. Charity Withers,” The Journal, Fri, Jan 15, 1897, p. 3.