My mother, Lucy Mae Terry, has been by influential and spiritual guide from birth.  She raised her 9 biological children and 5 adopted children as a single parent.  My mom showed me how to live a caring and giving life as she would not hesitate to feed the community or take in neighbors who needed temporary housing.  


Teacher-mother was the title Mrs. Terry held throughout her life.  She would hold class with my siblings and me when we were too young to attend school.  Then, as we grew older, she would advance our books to hold class everyday after school and on Saturdays.  Sundays were left to early morning gospel music and cleaning.  Lucy Mae Terry was a true villager -- helping to raise all children.