Arlena Robinson my grandmother, who we affectionately called Grandmama, and my father Huey Jones, made sure
that my three siblings and I would be ready for life as responsible adults.
that my three siblings and I would be ready for life as responsible adults.
Grandmama was a custodian at the University of Chicago. No matter how hard her days were when she came home, she made sure that we ate, bathe, studied the Bible and knew the word of God. Not even the pain she regularly suffered from arthritis changed that routine. Her faith was enough to move mountains. There are so many great things I can say about my father. He worked hard to make sure that we had a roof over our heads and got an education. One thing I’ll never forget is how, when I would have a transportation issue, Daddy would make me watch him fix the car. He said this was something I would need to know in life, so I would not have to ask or wait for someone to take care of it for me. I’m telling you I know a few things about a car today. Thank God for my Daddy. For years when I was a child, I remember he always told us that you reap what you sew. I did not understand then, but now I know what he meant. If you do (sew) good deeds, usually that’s what you get back — the goodness of others. I learned many lessons from my Grandmama and Daddy that influence my life today. Namely, to treat people as I want to be treated, how to be kind, and how to develop a relationship with the Lord. Above all, they taught me to appreciate what I have and not take these things for granted. |
My mother, Lillie L. Clayton, had four children. She worked for Milwaukee Public Schools for 40+ years before retiring. As an educator even today if she encounters former students, they thank her for teaching them valuable lessons. For years she was a homemaker, and my father worked full-time. She provided us with a loving, safe and balanced home. Her yard was always beautiful with flowers and a garden. So, naturally, keeping the area around our house clean is one of the many lessons we learned. Other important instructions included – to be kind to others and to save our money for a rainy day. She encouraged us to keep God first, and that education and salvation are an unbeatable combination! We also learned her work ethic and the need for impeccable attendance. She went to work regardless of how she felt. My mother is strong, determined, fun loving, and persistent. She is a diamond in the rough! — Patricia Saffold
My mother was always a hard worker, who took care of home and put others before herself. She instilled in me an unshakable faith and taught me how to pray without ceasing, something I’ve also taught my daughters. Because of my mother’s example, I also have become a woman of integrity. We are extremely close and spend every day together, as I take her shopping, get her to church, and make sure she’s comfortable and accommodated at home. I’m truly grateful for our tight-knit relationship. Being the backbone of our family was not easy, but Momma has done so with grace, poise, and beauty. Over the years, she has shown great courage and perseverance despite the trials of life, which is admirable and inspiring. I love, thank, and praise my mother for all she’s done for me, my siblings, and our families!
— Tammy Shaw
— Tammy Shaw