Neiel Israel - "When a Black Man Walks" (NPS 2014)

LIVE ON, LAVONNE!

Live on, LaVonne . . .

You are really not gone --

Now you are free to become One –

Amid ethereal essences of life – from now on!

Although you did have sanguine sisters,

You chose to become one of mine

Although you had other family members,

You chose to adopt mine over a period of time.

At family gatherings -- at graduations,

Christmas, or Thanksgiving,

For any celebrations

For meritorious living

You joined us with glee

For the merriment that would always be --

Helping to cherish each wonderful memory.

So - We’ll miss the small frame

The very musical sound of your name,

Your droll expressions we’ll recall

And remember wry humor with all.

Through your life’s ups and downs

You rose above ordinary frowns --

You had the courage to always find a way

to succeed in life each and every day.

For -- Under that tough exterior

lay a heart of pure gold

Your kindness to others

Was a great thing to behold.

And now -- Live on, LaVonne . . .

You are really not gone --

Now you are free to become One –

Amid ethereal essences of life – from now on!

Your love not only went beyond humans

but to many pets did extend.

You carried them with you

nearly wherever you went.

The so-called “nephew” pups – as you referred of them to me

that you’d carry about quite lovingly --

dressed up in the very best,

or tucked sweetly in carry bags

slung neatly across your chest.

They were the perennial companions

Life-giving, loving and “Hands-on!”

It was like you were their loving mother --

and when you lost one, you’d get another.

This love was not only for your pets

but the Love of the Lord transcended the rest

that taught the life lessons which you did learn

and guided you to often share your concern

with elder ladies of your long-time congregation

also  older relatives, wherever you discerned in their situation

there was a need for companionship or assistance

And you’d find wonderful ways to provide this.

At Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church

You loved becoming a Deacon

Faithfully fulfilling expected duties

from annual season to season.

Right training elicited appropriate dignity

Yet avoiding excess piety -- out of your humanity.

You often managed to find the humor in life

Which strengthened you amid day-to-day pains and strife.

Moreover, you always kept the family tradition

of living life as a dutiful Christian.

Then -- Live on, LaVonne . . .

You are really not gone --

Now you are free to become One –

Amid ethereal essences of life – from now on!

Although you were not raised

With your other dear siblings,

Your love and caring for them was not missing,

You tried to become a rock of solutions

whenever you felt family problems needed resolution.

You’d stop by to see me and rest 

When you’d travel to North Carolina to give of your best.

Once Ron and I went to Greensboro for family support

to observe your uncle’s magnificent art work

For his achievements, we joined you in pride

And realized the family marks you carried inside.

From a long line of professionals, educators, and ministers

Your upbringing made you a lady and produced one of life’s winners.

For you had conviction of character and strength

to undergo days of health pains -- years of suffering at length

You hid tribulations hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute

Few would be able to conceive how you really did it.

It was only by God’s Grace

You kept a smile on your face.

So,

Live on, LaVonne . . .

You are really not gone --

Now you are free to become One –

Amid ethereal essences of life – from now on!

Submitted lovingly by the family of

Rev, Charles H.  Clay White, I of New Bern, N.C. and

Mrs, Elizabeth S. Blacknall White, whom LaVonne referred to as “Aunt Elizabeh”, as well as my siblings, Charlene; myself, Mary; Charles H. Clay White, II; my younger sister Julia; and youngest brother, Ronald Govan, her faithful friend, and Pamela Preston White,  as well as the next generation: Camara White, Asmaa El Maliki, (both of whom, along with Ron, cared for her pets during her illnesses); Nefertari, Charles H. C. White, III; and Shane Clay Ezra:  Each of whom would think of LaVonne and smile.

So . . .

Be Resplendent in Peace, LaVonne,

LIVE ON!

Crystal Valentine - "Black Privilege" (CUPSI 2015 Finals)