Grandmother Odessa Louise WillettLet me begin with what I know to be true----She was her mother’s only child—a daughter, my mother is her only child—a daughter, and I am my mother’s only child—a daughter—though my father has two sons who are my brothers—my matrilineal heritage is one of strong, proud, beautiful women. My grandmother was born on January 8th, and died at the age of 88, which in my mind tells me that the number 8 was relevant to her life. In Chinese culture the number 8 represents confidence and prosperity. When turned on its side it’s the symbol for infinity, a sign of completion, and eternity. Life was no crystal stair for her. She had her share of hard knocks, bumps, and bruises but these made her the determined, resilient, joyful survivor that she was. She did not let her pain make evil of her. It was in her battle with diabetes that I could see clearly her true grit. After first losing one leg to the disease in her 70s she learned to walk again with a prosthesis. After her second leg amputation she became wheelchair dependent, it slowed her but it didn’t stop her. In fact, just two weeks before she passed, my grandmother and my mother joined other Stoddard Home residents for a game of Bingo. A jazz music lover, I affectionately called her my very own Dinah Washington. When she would sing along with the records around the house I thought it really was HER on the record. Betty Carter or as she would say Betty ‘Bebop’ Carter, Gloria Lynn, Dakota Staton, and Carmen Mc Rae were her favorites along with the greats Sarah, Ella, and Billie. She wouldn’t forgive me if I failed to mention Ray Charles, Lou Rawls, and Arthur Prysock in that group. Her vivacious social nature, and outgoing personality was well suited to the pink-collar jobs she held in her working life. A beautician, waitress, and food preparer, she belonged to the hardworking group of women who had to EARN THEIRS. The worker bees in our society who endure long hours of work usually for lower wages of pay, but their sacrifice and hard work make it possible for the next generation to stand taller and reach higher. She made this church, St. Mary’s her spiritual home and it is fitting that we return to this beautiful, historic, peaceful and prayerful place to say our goodbyes. Grandma Odessa, may you rest in peace. My buddy, my sweet petunia, my sweet pea. My shining example of hardwork, resilience and adaptability. Granny O, my love for you is eternal---just as eternal as the number 8!!! Goodbye for now.
Honored by Karen Stroud |
