Edgecombe County Sheriff James L. Knight and Staff
“We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” II Cor. 5:8 (King James Version). “What a blessed consolation!”
We were sorry to hear about the death of such a wise woman (Proverbs 31) Dr. Maya Angelou.
We are thinking of you and praying for you during this time of sorrow.
Robert Dorsett
Years ago I had the opportunity of meeting Maya, at first I was a bit over whelmed by her presence and radiance… until she motioned me over and signed her book for me. I did not know whether I should bow at her presence or past out before her majestic illumination reflection. The world community heard the voice of Ms. Maya Angelou, when she emphatically stated: ” still… I rise” teaching us to stand tall above our rejected circumstances ! I personally thank you – my sistah, my queen mother, today, I am better than I was the day before meeting you. ” The breath of eternity has given you cause to exhale” R.I.P ( ps. say hi for me, to Malcom , Martin, and Nelson gone but not forgotten)
Phyllis
Thank you Maya! You have encouraged and inspired me since I was sixteen when your book was required reading for my English Lit class.
May God comfort your family and friends during this time of bereavement!
Phyllis
Tracy Tartt
To the family of Dr. Angelou, I say THANK YOU for sharing your beautiful gift. My love of reading was gifted to me by Dr. Angelou’s love of writing. May God’s comfort and peace be with you not just during this time, but always.
Elder Anthony Porter,gospel Worship Center
Our thoughts and prayers are giving to the beloved family of this global poet and teacher
whom has woke up our children into a new area of remembering our history.
We feel blessed and joyful in saving some of the teaching she has instilled in us all.
May the angels be with you. I know Dr. Angelou will keep smiling on all of us as we excel to
better heights in learning.
Your community Servant Global
Elder Anthony Porter,
Elizabeth, NJ
linda williams
My prayers go to the family of your personal loss.I have always since my twenties after reading her poetry and novels this is a person I need to know more about.The world has lost a special person and will never be the same in the literary world. RIP,Dr. Maya Angelou
Barbara A Williams
I remember reading her poetry especially And Still I Rise and Phenomenal Woman and thinking I love those poems and the woman who wrote them. Miss you Dr Maya tremendously!!!
Melina De Guglielmo
Dr. Angelou,
Your life served as such a great inspiration for me — even though my parents were Italian immigrants to Canada, I feel so connected to your autobiographies because so much of your lived experience was also lived by my ancestors…
your words will live on forever…you are the master of the autobiographical narrative, and of helping people to have the courage to be the best they can be…
thank you Dr. Angelou for sharing your life stories to influence others to make positive changes in their own lives and in their communities.
all my love, your student, Melina
Kacie Armstrong
I’ll never forget opening the pages of Why the Caged Bird Sings and being transported into a story that was so different, yet strikingly similar to my own. Dr. Maya Angelou opened a world to me that I never imagined would lead me to one day becoming a library director. We are kindred spirits, in that a visit to the library shaped her life and mine in such profound ways. Thank you Dr. Angelou for sharing your story and for inspiring me to share mine. You will certainly be missed, but never forgotten!
Ann Gosa
All my life…..You are the Supreme Author/Poet of MY time! Please greet Zora for me!
LaTarsha
Dr. Maya,
THANK YOU so much for showing me how great one can be who chooses to live a devout life of Truth and Love.
LaTarsha Rucker
Ouida Patten
Because of beautiful Maya I am able to be my authentic self! Because of who she was, I am now able to feel free to let my little light shine. God truly blessed us all with this magnificent woman! Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou for your wisdom, your love and light!
Terry Jackson
Matthew 25:21 and 23 sums it up best, His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Just replace the him with her and count it all joy. Rest In Peace, Maya Angelou
La Trisha & La Tasha
We had the distinguished opportunity to interview Dr. Maya Angelou twice for our publication, Beautifully Said Magazine. From the pages of her books we read [in school] to hearing her compassionate voice impart life into others, including ourselves, was life changing for us.
She was more than an interview subject. She was a woman who lived life to make it better for so many. She knew the importance of words and treated them delicately, that what she spoke was always love, encouragement and growth.
We will continue to honor the life and legacy of our literary mentor both individually and professional. Dr. Angelou is the very reason we operate as positive journalism– because there’s still room for it and someone needs to hear that “joy” exist at all times, even through the challenges, we just have to quiet ourselves that it shows up and we continue to RISE.
Thank you Maya Angelou. We are blessed that our paths crossed.
*Condolences to the family and the many that loved this remarkable woman.
Best,
La Trisha McIntosh and La Tasha Taylor
Founders/Publisher/Editors
Beautifully Said Magazine
Seretha D Williams
Maya Angelou’s poetry was the manna of my youth. My love of poetry, of truth began with her words. Thank you.
Lundi Ramsey Denfeld
I met Maya Angelou back in 1980, while a student in Dolly McPherson’s freshman English composition class at Wake Forest. This was before Dr. Angelou’s affiliation with the university; Dr. McPherson had simply invited her friend to speak with us, a handful of young students. Corny as it sounds (I’m just gonna say it), I felt the air change when Maya Angelou entered the room. Her presence. Electric. Confusing. Exciting. Wondrous. She was a phenomenal woman (before I had even heard of, much less read the poem); I needed no one to tell me she was a force, a bigger-than-life soul. The energy of Maya was just there, here, there. She spoke of her writing process; her habit of wearing only a large caftan with nothing else underneath which might inhibit or stifle her writing, the only other item on her body being a hat, with which to hold her thoughts in her head until she could put pen to paper, “I cannot let my thoughts escape,” she smiled fiercely, broadly, raising her eyebrows and eyeing us individually. It was the first time that I really understood the phrase “thoughts are things”.
Dr. Angelou spoke of surrounding oneself with good people who are encouragers, and of not allowing others in one’s presence to gossip or tear another human being down. She explained that at her many dinner parties, she never hesitated to abruptly stop conversation if she heard negativity, “Stop! I do not allow that type of talk at my table!” As I listened, I marveled. I wondered if it were possible for me to do this with friends, with acquaintances, without seeming rude. Obviously Dr. Angelou knew with a strength and a correct sense of rightness (not righteousness) what I did not, that it was a matter of who was the one actually being rude in this situation!
This sense of rightness extended to protecting herself from those who would try to injure her with their criticism, especially from those who were so-called friends, using veiled words (we all know the type…people who use sly comments about our “different” new haircut(!) or “nice” new outfit(!), all the while meaning the opposite of good). Dr. Angelou declared to us…throwing her head down and her hand up in a STOP gesture…that she did not let others “pick, pick, pick at [her] bones” with their words. It was unnecessary and hurtful, especially when coming from someone whom one considered a friend. That was the yardstick of a real friend– are they picking or building– and be prepared to believe one’s gut about that!
Maya Angelou was brave to write her truths and put them out there for perusal by the world; knowing, I am sure, that some would judge her– and some would understand–but perhaps not knowing that some would cling to her words for dear life. Her gift was in knowing which of those camps to care about and which to disregard. In this respect, she lived the serenity prayer; making a difference in the lives of others if she could, and accepting if she could not. All she could do was her best, and in that she succeeded spectacularly.
Ernest J. Dorsey
She was truly a phenomenal women and she touch the lives of many. Dr Angelou stood for a lot and did a lot for all. May you rest and peace for now you are above the clouds where rainbows are made Rest in Peace
Ernest J. Dorsey US Navy Ret.
Kim R. Harris
Dr. Maya Angelou, your “work” has spoken volume to a nation. Your voice will continue to be elevated by it’s tone and diction. I am proud to have had the opportunity to hear thou active voice as it has reminded us of how we are to aspire to greatness. The Power of your words will forever be engrafted in the hearts of generations to come, this day we RISE to that greater place in History. We this day, identify the humanitarian that you once were and as you leave a legacy for all to ponder, we surrender blessings for the time you were giving to us! Rest In Peace spiritual ancient soul.
Kim R. Harris
Valentina Belina
Dr. Angelou, thank you for all the lessons and wisdom you shared with all of us. I will carry it with me forever. You were one of a kind and world is a better place because you were here. You will be missed.
Roberta Harvin
Now I really know why the caged bird sings. Sing on, my beautiful Maya. To God be the glory.
“We are confident, I say and willing rather to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” II Cor. 5:8 (King James Version). “What a blessed consolation!”
We were sorry to hear about the death of such a wise woman (Proverbs 31) Dr. Maya Angelou.
We are thinking of you and praying for you during this time of sorrow.
Years ago I had the opportunity of meeting Maya, at first I was a bit over whelmed by her presence and radiance… until she motioned me over and signed her book for me. I did not know whether I should bow at her presence or past out before her majestic illumination reflection. The world community heard the voice of Ms. Maya Angelou, when she emphatically stated: ” still… I rise” teaching us to stand tall above our rejected circumstances ! I personally thank you – my sistah, my queen mother, today, I am better than I was the day before meeting you. ” The breath of eternity has given you cause to exhale” R.I.P ( ps. say hi for me, to Malcom , Martin, and Nelson gone but not forgotten)
Thank you Maya! You have encouraged and inspired me since I was sixteen when your book was required reading for my English Lit class.
May God comfort your family and friends during this time of bereavement!
Phyllis
To the family of Dr. Angelou, I say THANK YOU for sharing your beautiful gift. My love of reading was gifted to me by Dr. Angelou’s love of writing. May God’s comfort and peace be with you not just during this time, but always.
Our thoughts and prayers are giving to the beloved family of this global poet and teacher
whom has woke up our children into a new area of remembering our history.
We feel blessed and joyful in saving some of the teaching she has instilled in us all.
May the angels be with you. I know Dr. Angelou will keep smiling on all of us as we excel to
better heights in learning.
Your community Servant Global
Elder Anthony Porter,
Elizabeth, NJ
My prayers go to the family of your personal loss.I have always since my twenties after reading her poetry and novels this is a person I need to know more about.The world has lost a special person and will never be the same in the literary world. RIP,Dr. Maya Angelou
I remember reading her poetry especially And Still I Rise and Phenomenal Woman and thinking I love those poems and the woman who wrote them. Miss you Dr Maya tremendously!!!
Dr. Angelou,
Your life served as such a great inspiration for me — even though my parents were Italian immigrants to Canada, I feel so connected to your autobiographies because so much of your lived experience was also lived by my ancestors…
your words will live on forever…you are the master of the autobiographical narrative, and of helping people to have the courage to be the best they can be…
thank you Dr. Angelou for sharing your life stories to influence others to make positive changes in their own lives and in their communities.
all my love, your student, Melina
I’ll never forget opening the pages of Why the Caged Bird Sings and being transported into a story that was so different, yet strikingly similar to my own. Dr. Maya Angelou opened a world to me that I never imagined would lead me to one day becoming a library director. We are kindred spirits, in that a visit to the library shaped her life and mine in such profound ways. Thank you Dr. Angelou for sharing your story and for inspiring me to share mine. You will certainly be missed, but never forgotten!
All my life…..You are the Supreme Author/Poet of MY time! Please greet Zora for me!
Dr. Maya,
THANK YOU so much for showing me how great one can be who chooses to live a devout life of Truth and Love.
LaTarsha Rucker
Because of beautiful Maya I am able to be my authentic self! Because of who she was, I am now able to feel free to let my little light shine. God truly blessed us all with this magnificent woman! Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou for your wisdom, your love and light!
Matthew 25:21 and 23 sums it up best, His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Just replace the him with her and count it all joy. Rest In Peace, Maya Angelou
We had the distinguished opportunity to interview Dr. Maya Angelou twice for our publication, Beautifully Said Magazine. From the pages of her books we read [in school] to hearing her compassionate voice impart life into others, including ourselves, was life changing for us.
She was more than an interview subject. She was a woman who lived life to make it better for so many. She knew the importance of words and treated them delicately, that what she spoke was always love, encouragement and growth.
We will continue to honor the life and legacy of our literary mentor both individually and professional. Dr. Angelou is the very reason we operate as positive journalism– because there’s still room for it and someone needs to hear that “joy” exist at all times, even through the challenges, we just have to quiet ourselves that it shows up and we continue to RISE.
Thank you Maya Angelou. We are blessed that our paths crossed.
*Condolences to the family and the many that loved this remarkable woman.
Best,
La Trisha McIntosh and La Tasha Taylor
Founders/Publisher/Editors
Beautifully Said Magazine
Maya Angelou’s poetry was the manna of my youth. My love of poetry, of truth began with her words. Thank you.
I met Maya Angelou back in 1980, while a student in Dolly McPherson’s freshman English composition class at Wake Forest. This was before Dr. Angelou’s affiliation with the university; Dr. McPherson had simply invited her friend to speak with us, a handful of young students. Corny as it sounds (I’m just gonna say it), I felt the air change when Maya Angelou entered the room. Her presence. Electric. Confusing. Exciting. Wondrous. She was a phenomenal woman (before I had even heard of, much less read the poem); I needed no one to tell me she was a force, a bigger-than-life soul. The energy of Maya was just there, here, there. She spoke of her writing process; her habit of wearing only a large caftan with nothing else underneath which might inhibit or stifle her writing, the only other item on her body being a hat, with which to hold her thoughts in her head until she could put pen to paper, “I cannot let my thoughts escape,” she smiled fiercely, broadly, raising her eyebrows and eyeing us individually. It was the first time that I really understood the phrase “thoughts are things”.
Dr. Angelou spoke of surrounding oneself with good people who are encouragers, and of not allowing others in one’s presence to gossip or tear another human being down. She explained that at her many dinner parties, she never hesitated to abruptly stop conversation if she heard negativity, “Stop! I do not allow that type of talk at my table!” As I listened, I marveled. I wondered if it were possible for me to do this with friends, with acquaintances, without seeming rude. Obviously Dr. Angelou knew with a strength and a correct sense of rightness (not righteousness) what I did not, that it was a matter of who was the one actually being rude in this situation!
This sense of rightness extended to protecting herself from those who would try to injure her with their criticism, especially from those who were so-called friends, using veiled words (we all know the type…people who use sly comments about our “different” new haircut(!) or “nice” new outfit(!), all the while meaning the opposite of good). Dr. Angelou declared to us…throwing her head down and her hand up in a STOP gesture…that she did not let others “pick, pick, pick at [her] bones” with their words. It was unnecessary and hurtful, especially when coming from someone whom one considered a friend. That was the yardstick of a real friend– are they picking or building– and be prepared to believe one’s gut about that!
Maya Angelou was brave to write her truths and put them out there for perusal by the world; knowing, I am sure, that some would judge her– and some would understand–but perhaps not knowing that some would cling to her words for dear life. Her gift was in knowing which of those camps to care about and which to disregard. In this respect, she lived the serenity prayer; making a difference in the lives of others if she could, and accepting if she could not. All she could do was her best, and in that she succeeded spectacularly.
She was truly a phenomenal women and she touch the lives of many. Dr Angelou stood for a lot and did a lot for all. May you rest and peace for now you are above the clouds where rainbows are made Rest in Peace
Ernest J. Dorsey US Navy Ret.
Dr. Maya Angelou, your “work” has spoken volume to a nation. Your voice will continue to be elevated by it’s tone and diction. I am proud to have had the opportunity to hear thou active voice as it has reminded us of how we are to aspire to greatness. The Power of your words will forever be engrafted in the hearts of generations to come, this day we RISE to that greater place in History. We this day, identify the humanitarian that you once were and as you leave a legacy for all to ponder, we surrender blessings for the time you were giving to us! Rest In Peace spiritual ancient soul.
Kim R. Harris
Dr. Angelou, thank you for all the lessons and wisdom you shared with all of us. I will carry it with me forever. You were one of a kind and world is a better place because you were here. You will be missed.
Now I really know why the caged bird sings. Sing on, my beautiful Maya. To God be the glory.