My tribute to my grandmother Johnie Mae Cooper who was laid to rest today, August 18, 2014. I stand here in front of you today to say a few words about my grandmother, Johnie Mae Cooper, and I am aware that I will, without doubt, fail to perfectly express in words what she meant to each of us, because WORDS SIMPLY CANNOT CAPTURE LOVE. For all of us who are blessed enough to know and love our Johnie Mae, the only things that will truly capture who she was are the warm memories that we each hold within our hearts. “First and foremost, on behalf of our entire family, I’d like to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to attend her home going and celebrate with us by wishing our mother, grandmother and aunt farewell as she travels to join her Father where she’ll have peace, joy and eternal life; where she is free from pain, free from the bondage of walkers, oxygen tanks and wheelchairs; and free to wear the high heels she loved! Johnie worked at High Ridge Hospital however she had a second job which was to be a caregiver to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A task she did with great love and care. She poured life lessons and wisdom into each one of us. I asked several people for words that described Johnie Mae. Independent and Stylish were 2 words consistently shared. One of her favorite expressions when challenged with the ability to do something was I am free, Black and over 21. In other words there was nothing to stop her from doing what she wanted. My mother shared a story during Johnies last hospital stay. A nursing assistant came to take Johnie for a walk, however Johnie was not feeling well. She nicely told the nursing assistant she was not up to it. Again the young lady tried to encourage Johnie to walk, but again Johnie declined. On the young ladys final attempt to get Johnie to walk my grandmother replied I will call you in the morning. She knew what and when she wanted to do something. My grandmother was a classy lady and fashionably elegant. Yes, She was in the true sense of the word a lady. As most of us have experienced, Johnie Mae could put you in your place without being loud or using crude language. I remember my sister and I being reprimanded for using the word dang because it was unladylike. Then she proceeded to tell us the importance of using the Kings English and that word was not one of them. I am sure everyone can say they never saw my grandmother undone.. Even as she aged and needed the help of a cane, walker or wheelchair to go to the doctor she would have her makeup done, her clothes just right and a pair of heels! Each time there was a debate why she couldnt wear those heels. Guess who won on numerous occasions? Those who entered into a debate with her counted it an achievement when they were victorious. Johnie, there are not enough words to express how much you’ll be missed, how much you are loved, how much you have taught us all and the legacy you have left with us. You said to me on several occasions that you wanted everyone to come together and have a Wang, Dang Doodle which meant to play music, laugh, share stories, share love and be family. Well, Johnie Mae we are here to have a Wang, Dang, Doodle to celebrate your life and the memories you have given us. Let’s all be thankful and rejoice for the special moments that Johnie has left each of us. Her laugh was infectious. Her smile lit up a room and brighten each of our hearts. The memory of her will always warm our hearts. In closing, I’d like to say…on behalf of our entire family, thank you to my mother Mary Jean for being Johnies sole provider and care giver. It’s because of your love for her that she was able to live to the age of 92 years old. It was an act of love you did well and faithfully. You are an example for all of us. I speak for our family and Johnies friends when I say Thank You. I leave each of you with these words...greater than the sorrow from her death is the joy Johnie gave each and every one of us.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 18:12:12 +0000
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