They'll Never be Another

I have a pretty good memory, I believe I actually remember my own birth. I know it sounds crazy, but I feel it to be true. I am thankful for my superior memory because it allows to keep special moments close to my heart. One of the new memories added to my ever-growing memory bank is that of my great-grandmother Fannie Mae Taylor. She was born on December 23, 1907 in Louisiana. She was born to a large family. She went on to marry at the tender age of 16 and had 9 children naturally. She raised them in racist Louisiana ; amid segregation, poverty, and sexism she maintained her family. She held down a job, supported her family, and she was a faithful member of the Zion Springs Baptist church for over 45 years. Her death was a total surprise to us all. Her last few years were spent between hospices, hospitals, and family homes in Monroe, Louisiana. She was in pretty good health those last couple of years, especially for being over 100 years old. In the bible you are promised 75 years on this earth; Mama Fannie exceeded that by 27 years. THAT IS A BEYOND BLESSED WOMAN! And as much as I cried, I could only cry tears of joy. She lived such a full, rich, and diverse life and was so good to everyone she encountered. She helped my grandma with my mother when her mother passed, she remained married when so many others divorced or separated, and she never forgot God throughout it all. In fact I believe she kept God very close to her especially when she was enduring the Women's Rights Movement, The Great Depression, and The Civil Rights Movement. She even made it to see the first black president, Barack Obama. What an incredible life! Her life will forever be celebrated because what she endured as a black women living in the limited South is nothing short of remarkable. Mama Fannie just know you have left a permanent mark on our hearts, we will praise your name for many years come. We will also pray that we could even live a fraction of the life you have. Thank you God for blessing us with your one true angel on Earth. Sincerely, Oriel Martin