Welcome Emerson Mason

Obituary

Mr. Welcome Emerson Mason

Mr. Welcome Emerson Mason was born April 27, 1926. He was the third born of five children of Rev. William Thomas Mason, Sr. and Mary Lena Fleming Mason. He was married to the late Rubye Fielder Mason, and they are the parents of six children. 

Mr. Mason attended elementary school in Lincolnton, Georgia. He graduated from the Lincolnton Colored High School on May 21, 1942. After graduation and various jobs in the surrounding area, Mr. Mason served two years in the United States Navy during World War II. In January 1947, he enrolled in Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree on May 3rd, 1950.

Mr. Mason joined the Lincoln County School System where he taught science and math at the high school level. In the 1953-54 school terms, he became principal of Lincolnton Colored High School, later renamed Lincoln County Training School in 1954 and later renamed, Westside Elementary and High School. During this same period, Mr. Mason earned his master’s degree in School Administration from Atlanta University in 1958, and later helped guide the school system through desegregation and eventual consolidation. He continued to serve as principal of the elementary school until assuming principalship of Lincoln County High School in 1971.

Mr. Mason served the Lincoln County School System for over 30 years until he retired from his position a principal of the high school on June 3rd, 1984. After retirement, Mr. Mason served as the first Curriculum Director of Lincoln County Schools. 

Mr. Mason was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 60 years, Rubye Fielder Mason, his parents Rev. William T. Mason, Sr. and Mrs. Mary Mason; one sister Constance Mason, three brothers William T. Mason Jr., Alexander Burch Mason, and Julius S. Mason Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters: Margaret Willams of Augusta, GA, and Dr. Michelle Mason-Woodard (Andre) of Lincolnton, GA; four sons Melchoir E. Mason, Sr. of Lincolnton, GA, Michael (Theresa) Mason of Augusta, GA; Marcus (Mary) Mason of Lincolnton, GA; and Meredith Mason of Greenwood, SC; one sister-in-law; Lila Mason of Jefferson, GA. Others who will ever cherish his memory are 18 grandchildren, 21 great-children, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.