Dear beloved cousin. You have been my companion, friend, and confidant since we were “ragged and funny” running up and down Butler street and chased by Douglass street boys. I have never lived without you in our world.

You and my sister are people who asked so little of life and gave so much to all you encountered. You have always seen good in others, and have gently chided me for my rather unyielding stance and ill-judgment of too many. You are so generous of spirit that it makes so many of us seem small and grudging.

You never complained about the vagaries of life, nor the physical pain you suffered. You were always grateful for what you did have and rejoiced in spending time with friends and family. You never failed to remind me that family is what is important and life is short so we need to be together as often as possible.

I know how very much you loved your son, daughter and granddaughter and your son-in-law, who you said was always so sweet and thoughtful with you.

You have been a gift to all of us. Unlike most tangible gifts that lose their luster, you are a gift that will always remain bright and shining in all of our hearts and minds.

We now have to accept your absence, except in our hearts and minds, and know you are now rejoicing with your mother and Coco and my siblings and countless friends and know they welcomed you to Heaven in a glorious array of light. You are now pain free, stress free and will guide your loved ones on earth for the rest of their lives.

I love you, Jean and will miss you more than words can express, until we are united, but, I will talk to you every day as we have been doing for so many years.

Love, Maureen xxx