This has been so difficult... to try to put to words the way that Mama Jo impacted my life. She is such a beautiful woman, and complex, like an orchid --- stately, lovely, and fragile. She knew how to be tough but if you really knew her... you knew that her strength covered a gentle soul. She was so creative... full of hopes and dreams and ideas.... and disappointments. She had plans for all of us. She was a great supporter, a fierce mom that always "made a way out of no way," and sacrificed her last for those she loved. It really was a privilege to be counted as someone that she loved. Her love was powerful, kind, caring, conerned, giving, influencial, even controlling, full of expectations and standards, old school, and yet progressive. She was a class act. She never gave up, especially on Michael. She kept opening the door to her home and her heart, even when the enemy had trampled it. I think the thing I admire most about her was her resilience and grace. I have never met anyone who kept learning, kept growing, kept transforming, kept standing on God's Word. Through fear, confusion, disappointment, and the battles of life... she would hide away and transform any dwelling into a beautiful, tranquil place... fill the atmosphere with gospel music, inspirational teachings and books, and fill her heart, soul and mind with God's Word... and let it transform her! And then share what she learned with all of us for as long as we could listen!! She was a Phenomenal Woman. I know she went and found Khalil and Michael as aoon as she entered Heaven. Heaven's gain is our loss. See you after a while Mama Jo.
Love always, Kristina