Powerful Women, Lasting Influences

Powerful Women, Lasting Influences

This morning, as I rise and give thanks for the blessings in my life, my childhood starts playing out, and my relationships with women are center stage!

Florence H. B. Williams
My mother. She was a strong, single mother with two children, her father, and three siblings to raise because her mother died. She was a plain, simple woman, well-read and educated, with a powerful connection to God. Mother was warm, amicable, stern, and a disciplinarian, but her core values never changed: God first, others second, and self last, no exceptions. Mother set standards, demanded adherence, and insisted that your core values and standards not be lowered to get along or get specific results. She often reminded me that just like a tree bends when blown by the wind, one must know when to give, take, and stand. One of her favorite sayings was that sometimes it is best to run away so you can come back and fight another day. This was my master teacher, and she taught lessons daily by the example she lived before me. She was a giver, activist, leader, listener, fighter, and role model, yet she was the most humble woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and knowing.

Mother Jonathan Greene
My pastor. Another strong woman called by God to preach the gospel, minister to the congregation, and lead the people by example as a wife and mother. Her values never wavered. She was available day and night even though there were no telephones in the early years. She stood for respect, integrity, dignity, and self-worth. She was always there even after I grew up and left the area. I could call her and talk with her about any and everything going on in my life. She never ever quite told me what to do or how to do it, but she made the path forward clear and simple. I was always given the choice to lead, follow, or get out of my way.

Sister Janie Brownlee
My inspiration. No matter what was to be done, this strong woman found a way to do it. She could sing, act, teach, direct, and create any type of entertainment needed in our church. She directed the choir and created biblical plays for every season and every occasion. No matter where she found her children (and that was all of us), she made sure that we had a role or part in her production. A mother of a very large family, wife, and worker, she found the time to make sure that her talents were shared with the community. I cannot remember a time when she was singled out or honored for her many contributions, and I don't believe she ever asked for any or acted in a way that said she needed accolades to continue doing what she loved. She encouraged me always to give my best even if I was not quite suited for the task.


Ms. Johnny Ruth Thomas
My force of nature. She was a single parent with a house full of children ranging in all ages, yet she was up every morning picking up workers to take to the fields, on a trip, or some other destination. She was a very large lady, and her statute never got in her way, nor did she make excuses for it. Her size, her mind, her skills, and her abilities were what she needed to make things happen. She was the crew leader, the formal, the overseer, and anything else required to put a crew together to work the fields (cotton, tobacco, peanuts, pecans, corn, and many other crops). She knew what needed to be done, who in the community could do it, and what she needed to do to get them to do it. Using those skills, she also knew when people needed a break and how to ensure they had fun. She planned picnics, far-away beach trips, and other events annually, ensuring everyone got to the event and back home safely. She never lost a participant. Her organizational skills were impeccable. She was firm, decisive, loving, and always ready for a big hug.

Sister Helen Cromartie
My mentor, who was never married, was devout in her beliefs and solidly believed in young people knowing their options. She was no-nonsense. She was among the most gifted Sunday School teachers I have ever met. She studied and knew her Bible. She was kind, open, and easy to talk with, no matter where she was or who she was with. One of the most humble people who did not feel or like being put out front. She worked best from behind the scenes and one on one. Her teachings, unassuming ways, self-assuredness, always kind words, and gentle smile will be with me all my life.

Helen Cogdell
Sixth-Grade Teacher. A teacher's teacher. Old and full of wisdom. A visionary who inspired everyone to reach for the stars and be all they could be, knowing that nothing was impossible if you worked hard, stayed focused, and put in the time. She told us that one day, men and women would spend their time thinking and actualizing a better world, and work would not be labor intensive. Like in times before, man would use his mind to take the work out of work and devise other ways to get the job done. Segregation would end, and "colored people" would play a significant role in moving our civilization forward, and any of us in her class could be a part of that movement. No matter our circumstances, we could grow up to be leaders and have a voice in our future. But most of all, she told us not to settle -- not to settle for being colored, poor, undesirable, outcast, or always on the periphery of society, but to demand our place. One of her quotes we all learned was, "Earn your place; nobody is going to give it to you, and yes, you will have to be twice as good as the white person, but what the hell, you are twice as good. Not a problem!"

Willie Ruth Merrit
Fifth-grade teacher. A great teacher. Skilled and capable. Arrogant, feisty, and on top of her game, but with no humility. Her famous quote that I carry with me today as something to avoid is, "I got mine; you have yours to get!" How could she say that? My teacher. The person that was there to help me to learn how to learn? Her lesson was hard, but it has helped me throughout my life: never depend on someone else for what you can do for yourself. Always know that if someone else has done it, you can also do it. Open the book and study it, and do not expect it to be hand-fed. Most of all, do not expect to be given anything. You have to earn it.

Johnnie Flucker
High school teacher. Another influential and dedicated teacher etched in my memory her most famous quote, "Time will pass. Will you?" The lessons in her classroom always centered around putting in the time to make it or make things happen. The time is yours. Do what you will with it. Time will not wait for you, no matter what you choose to do! Life lesson: Use time wisely because once it is gone, it is not coming back.

These women are almost always present in my thoughts, deeds, and actions in some form or fashion. They are my reference point for handling nearly every situation I encounter. These are the women I grew up with, and they are my core values.

I don't know, but I believe they all are deceased now. I have had the pleasure of returning home and personally thanking each of them for their contribution to my life. In 2024, the last of these powerful women died, Sister Helen Cromartie. I chose not to attend her funeral because I did not want to say goodbye. I wanted to remember her as it was the last time I visited her at home. She was smiling and chatting and remembering the good old days.