Mrs.Smith a Matriarch of my neighborhood where I grew up has passed away..

It's early and I've been up since I heard Mrs. Smith went to Glory..
For me each time someone that touched my life in a profound way passes away it is a moment of reflection for me. I reflect on how I knew them and I play over in my mind the moments in my memory that our paths crossed. What influences they may have had on me, and then I pray they did and said all they wanted to do while they were here.

The other day when the party for Mrs. Payne was held and Mrs. Hill was there, I wished I had known I would have very much liked to attend. I don't go many places that aren't child related, and while I have visited Mrs. Hill and her family in the past on an impulse, you don't want to disturb people just out of the blue. So when there was a party and they were gracious enough to leave the comfort of their homes to attend, I would've moved hell and high water to be there to honor those great ladies as they deserve, where I would not care much if it were just another stepping/drinking party.

I think sometimes we forget how important all the little moments that make up our lives have contributed to a life long lived. And take for granted how important,and instrumental those threads that we've collected along the way were weaved into our quilt of life.

I am the baby girl of Marlene Robinson, but like many others i was raised by my sisters and brothers while my Mother worked. So Evelyn, Debbie,Sonya, Paula, and Kevins friends were my friends also.

I was with Paula when she hung out many days at Mrs. Smiths house with her friend Cheryl, so I was the recipient of her radiant smile, and I can still hear her laughter, and taste her food. I heard a strong authoritative voice when she told Anthony "Smitty Smith what to do (lol). I listened when she gave My sister and Cheryl advice on how to be ladies and I soaked it all in.

So don't forget while our siblings may have been the different generations friends, we were there and they were our friends too. I was there in the Lingos house while they were friends with Bridget & Beverly/ the Marshalls house with Tony, Michael, and Billy/ The Keenons/ the Bridges with Na & Noni also Kevin and Ronnie, Raymond/ the Jetts ..Elders Sharon ,Elder Rhonda, Elder Saundra Yancy, Catherine Cjbmarvelous Jett. Helped build our church foundations..LeeAnn taught me so much about confidence and beauty, The Hills ) My mother often reflected how she and Mrs. Hill were always pregnant at the same time lol...The Mays-Wilks family I remember Clifford,and Big Man with his Black rim glasses..Clarence "Meme" and his infectious laugh and smile. Johnnie funny self..Debra Dugas/ Jerry&Jeffrey&Kenneth Oliver../Roosevelt "Littleman" Jones, and of course JoAnn ( I miss the soft way she said"Punkin" . Of course Mrs Scott and her boys,,Sonny.Corky. Monk. and Roderick Bay..The Myers..The McCoys..The Griffea's..The Paynes..Shelwin and Diane Tooley, and Angela & Renee Leggett..The Veals..

All of you are my Family, and are a part of me and who I am today if I never say it again.. I love you all and Thank you.. XOXOXO