Uncrowned Community Builders

Born Mary Butler in Birmingham Alabama, she and her family moved to Lackawanna in 1941. In the early 1950s Mrs. Workman was active with Friendship House in Lackawanna and joined with other members of the organization to challenge the hiring practices of a Ridge Road five and dime, subsequently becoming the first African American sales clerk at the store. In 1970 she went to work for WIVB TV. She retired in 1995 with 25 years of service. In 1980 she was honored with a Black Achievers in Industry Award. She was also an original member of the Lackawanna Golden Oldies. Mrs. Workman was 72 years of age at the time of her passing on December 5, 2005. She is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.