Luther Vandross’ mother, Mary Ida Vandross had her fair share of family, battles with health challenges, grief, and loss; and she watched 6 of her immediate family members, including Luther Vandross preceded her in death. She was a nurse and an ordained interdenominational minister who traveled extensively speaking about stroke and health; and preached the gospel.
She was active in Luther’s life, receiving his two American Music Awards in 2004 and also joining him in raising scholarships for students. She died at the age of 83 (an age no one in her immediate family reached) in 2008. The celebrity mother was well-known for pseudonyms such as Mrs. V., Lady V., or Momma Mary.
What Happened to Luther Vandross’ Mother?
Mary died on 9 Apr 2008 (aged 84), in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA, after being in a coma for over 7 weeks. She was laid to rest at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, Bergen County, New Jersey.
Complications from encephalitis caused the coma which later ended Mrs. V’s life. Before then, Mary suffered from arthritis for years and was forced to walk with aid.
It was while she was going through her health challenges and arthritis that she attended the American Music Awards on his behalf and accepted two of her son’s awards. She also attended the 2004 Grammys on behalf of her son who won Song of the Year, Best R&B Album, and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Dance with My Father. The same night, the youngest Vandross won Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (with Beyoncé) for The Closer I Get to You.
She Lost Her Husband and All Her Children
The story of Mary Ida is a sad one. She lost her entire immediate family. Sadly, they all died similarly – either by stroke or diabetes.
Luther Sr. was the first to die. He died of diabetes in 1959, 19 years after he was married to Lady V. He was only 39 years old.
Also, their famous 8-time Grammy award-winning son was 8 years old while Mary was 36.
In 1991, death struck again. This time, it was Mary’s first son and third child, Charles Anthony Vandross. He died at 44.
Two years later in 1993, Mary’s oldest child, Patricia Marie “Pat” Vandross Joyner(born in 1943). This also became the fate of Ann D. Vandross Sanders (who died in 1999) and Luther Vandross in 2005.
Her Life Before Her Sad Story of Death, Loss, and Grief
All to Know About Her Early Life
Luther Vandross’ mother was born Mary Ida Shields on November 18, 1923, in Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States. She was the daughter of John Quitman Shields Josephine Reid.
Mary Ida was the second of three siblings. She had an older sister Helen Shields and a younger brother John Archie Shields.
The Cheraw-born celebrity mother attended high school in Cheraw even though she spent most of her young life in Marion South Carolina. She also used to spend summers at her aunt’s in New York, where she later started her own family.
More about her education, Mrs. V. attended New York Theological Seminary and later became an evangelist.
Mary Ida Vandross Married at 17 and became a Parent of 4
Mama Vandross was childhood sweethearts with Luther Vandross Sr. By the time she was 17 years old and the older Luther was 21 they were married in 1940.
In 1943, three years after Luther Sr. and Mary were married, they welcomed their first child, a daughter Patricia Marie Pat Vandross Joyner. Unfortunately, she died in 1993.
The couple welcomed their second child, another daughter, Ann D. Vandross Sanders in 1944 (died in 1999).
Charles Anthony Vandross and Luther Vandross were the youngest of Mary’s children and her only boys. They were born in 1947 and 1951 respectively. They were both born in New York after their parents moved to the city in 1946.
One interesting fact about Mary’s family is their being musically inclined. Her late husband was a singer and two of her four children could sing well. Nonetheless, it was Luther Jr’s musical prowess that gained recognition and brought fame to the family.
See Also: Bernadette San Pedro Bayot – 12 Shocking Facts About Bruno Mars’ Mother
She Travelled the World Preaching and Also Represented Luther Vandross
Ida was a nurse and an evangelist who studied at New York Theological Seminary. She was famed for traveling to many countries to preach. She was also known for her preaching about having a positive attitude and thanking God regardless of whether something is good or bad.
Away from her preaching and being the only immediate family of her son Luther, she served as his representative, spokeswoman, and overseer.
Luther Vandross’ mother was also enthusiastic about education and provided scholarships.
