Mable L. Sharif

  Mable Lene (Johnson) Sharif, 78, of Springfield, Massachusetts, departed this life on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.  Mable was born in Perot, Alabama, a daughter of the late UL Johnson and the late Arkia (Christian) Johnson. 

  She moved to Springfield from Annapolis, Maryland in 1968 and had been a liaison at Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center (BMSNHC) since she first served as a volunteer on the center's Community Advisory Board until she created her position as Community Liaison/Outreach Specialist in 1998.  By recognizing a disconnect between BMSNHC and the community in the Mason Square section of Springfield, Mable Lene created her position by identifying that the Health Center needed a person working for them that lived in the Mason Square neighborhood that had a pulse on the community.  Mable Lene convinced Baystate that the position was needed and that she was the right person for it, and her role was created.  She assisted thousands of people with getting appointments and follow up services, especially after there had been a gap in services.  Most of all, she assisted patients with learning how to lobby for themselves when it comes to their health care.   As Community Liaison/Outreach Specialist, Mable Lene facilitated the monthly CAB meetings, served as a patient advocate, coordinated volunteers for the children’s play area, and planed events with 60+ outside organizations. Mable Lene also implemented an annual “Teen Health Night” collaborating with youth organizations across the region.  Also, in her role at Baystate Health, Mable Lene was instrumental in collaborating the largest youth health fair at a local charter school where more than 400 students attended.  She coordinated an annual Sickle Cell Awareness Dinner and was a staunch advocate for making sure patients receive the care they deserve. For 21 years, Mable Lene has coordinated a very successful coat drive for children and adults. Additionally, Mable Lene has coordinated a 21-year Christmas toy drive. In total, Mable Lene has worked 40 years in developing and coordinated youth programs. 

  Pre-deceased by a son, Sabir Sharif, and two sisters, Rosetta Pritchett and Etta James Orange, she leaves three sons, Khalif Sharif of Springfield, Ahmad Sharif of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and Abdul Kareem Sharif of Camp Springs, Maryland;  two daughters, Tammy Sharif of Springfield and LaTasha Sharif of Owings Mills, Maryland;  two brothers, Willie James Johnson of Hanford, California and Eddie Johnson, of Calera, Alabama;  a sister, Willa Dean Johnson of Union Springs, Alabama;  12 grandchildren;  12 great-grandchildren;  and a host of other relatives.  

A memorial service will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28th, 2024, at The Cedars, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield.

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