For years she wrote “Little Lessons” every week for the Houston Home Journal. Prior to that she wrote a weekly article for the Warner Robins Sun before it became the Daily Sun.
Her stories were about people and how to build up and encourage others. She also had a knack for poetry, writing several books. i think one of her works of poetry was a collection of poems called, “Led By a Child.”
Some have told me that I inherited my writing abilities from her. If that’s true, I consider it one of the greatest gifts she ever gave to me.
She taught me to look for and find the best in people. Whether rich or poor, young or old, educated in the greatest universities or those with intellectual challenges that placed them at grades-school level or below, she sought and found the good in people.
She wanted to share everything she had with anyone who would accept. One of the ways she shared was to be the family for foster children. From babies to teenagers, she poured her soul into them. Today some of those, now all grown up, still stay in touch.
She is now 95 years old and lives in Summer Hill nursing home in Perry. She can’t get up and around like she used to but she still has a sharp mind.
I took her a manuscript of a book that I am writing and sat with her as she traced the words with her finger and methodically turned the pages. “It’s a good book,” she said. That’s all the literary review that I need.
Former Governor Sonny Perdue, one time referred to her as, “The conscience of Bonaire. That title sums up her life.
She had a way of seeing things with clarity that was not through a filter of politics or popularity, but through a lens of right and wrong.
Her energy has waned. Her hearing is practically gone. But the twinkle in her eyes and her smile can light up the room.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mama. I love you and will see you this Mother’s Day.
by 