As a flight attendant in 1969/70, I occasionally ran across Dr. Maya Angelou in airports. She could not be missed … tall, erect, regal … her hair wrapped with beautiful head scarves.
At the time I had no idea what an impact this author of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” would have on my life.
Many years later, as a Wake Forest student, I did not have the opportunity to study with her.
However, we have spent many nights together in my solitude, reading till light.
I am grateful to Dr. Angelou for her thoughts about life experiences, joy, gratitude,
courage, forgiveness & love she has shared with the world.
Her presence will remain.
Marjorie Haston Dannelly
WFU class of 1992
Cheyen from Alaska
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of this woman who greatly inspired many women through her lifetime. She inspired me to be a better person, to let go of the past, to forgive my mother, to see pass the ignorance of others, to strive to be the best I can be, to work harder for things in life worth having and to forgive myself.
She will greatly be missed by me. She was one of my inspirational people whom I wanted to meet on day.
Rachel C,
Anita
Your books and poetry have been an inspiration to me and it have given me so much food for thought. Thanks to you my Dear Sister, I have broaden my horizons and gained a great deal of self confidence from your life stories. I will miss the many words of wisdom you have shared with us.
Carol Bell
In remembrance.
Me.
dubisette r
What a gift Maya has been to so many of us – especially those of us who didn’t read as much as we should have. I give her all the credit for whatever love I have for reading at this point in my life.
Her book “I know why the caged bird sings” was the beginning of a new chapter in my appreciation for reading. I NEVER had an experience where I couldn’t put a book down.
The rest is history. I continue to recommend her work to the masses.
Thanks Maya for sharing your gift with me and the world!
C. E. Gibson III
Dr. Angelou,
I attended class full-time and worked full-time as an undergraduate at Wake Forest University. Needless to say, I had a turbulent undergraduate experience. Meeting you during my undergraduate tenure gave me the strength to stay the course. Thank you for your shining example, your caring way, and sharing your immense mental strength with me and countless others.
In my darkest hours, I have turned to your words for comfort and inspiration. Though your death is a loss for all of humanity, it will never be felt as acutely by those outside of the Wake Forest University community.
Rest well, ancestor. I owe you a huge debt, which I strive daily to repay.
With Immeasurable Love and Respect,
Charles Elam Gibson III, EdS, MA
PhD Candidate, The Pennsylvania State University
Wake Forest University, The Undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2009
LaShonda D. F. Hairston
As a native of Winston-Salem, I was 6 years old when Dr. Angelou became the Reynolds Professor at Wake Forest University. I, then, began to recognize her name each time I heard it. I loved reading her poetry in my youth and throughout my life. At 13 years old, I met her and shook her hand at the first National Black Theatre Festival in 1989 and I remember telling her that I was honored to meet her. I cherish that memory today and always. Rest in peace! Well Done!
Kerry Touzel
I first saw Dr. Angelou at the Presidential Inaugaration and later on the Oprah show, which was a celebration of a then, 70th birthday. I was awestruck. She was a spiritual powerhouse, full of fun and delighted in kindness and compassion. When Oprah asked her what was the most interesting thing about turning 70, I actually leaned forward to catch what guessed would be a very profound message – the meaning of life. Instead, she smiled and said, “Well, the breasts are interesting. They appear to be on a race to my belt. First the left is winning, then the right…”
I read all her books, attended one of her lectures last year and recite her wise words frequently. She will be dearly missed by all she has touched, but her light will never go out. Welcome home gentle spirit and rest well from a job very well done!
Asantewaa Harris
Ekushe Beloved Elder,
Job well done!
You have left great life lessons and cultural treasures that we will pass on.
I honor you and appreciate your faith, spirit and grace. Your eternal legacy is our inheritance.
And now you have earned a well deserved rest.
Al and Dorothy Conover
Rest in Peace, Dr. Angelou….Though we never met, as a Wake alumnus (’61), I can attest that you have made us all proud that you chose Wake Forest to spread your wonders to the world. Deep sympathy to family and friends.
Francisc Haber
May her memory be for a blessing.
Houston Roberson C’83
The world is wiser, more tolerant and much less lonely because Maya Angelou shared her prodigious gifts of language, communication and healing with us. Thank you and rest well dear sister.
Abiodun Solanke
Here, now, present but departed Dr. Maya Angelou. Victimized at an early age but you changed that to soothe all, and our world. Compassionate Maya. You imbibed free spirit and freely you poured hope, compassion and soothing kindness to the universe. Maya triumphed and we all triumphees of your immense shared blessings. Moses will meet you and be grateful – for you use your words to part the seas of darkness and fear and for freedom; Elijah will be glad you shine the light and our Lord Jesus Christ beckons welcome to His child for the good battle you fought for us all. You serve the universe well. Please be happy in the realms, albeit our universe is still a mess – those girls in Nigeria still kidnapped and terrorism still scoops joys. Our politicians are still pick pocketing. You did well Ma; Dr. Maya. Now we commit you to the dear Angels. Rest adieu, good beloved mother Maya.
BIC, 51
Wake Forest was made more elegant by her residency, though Dr. Angelou would deplore the word. What a complete delight she was.
J. Lamb
I was stunned and saddened yesterday to hear of the passing of my beloved Mentor/life Couch… in my head. I ‘met’ her writings as a teen, pushing 60 now…but wouldn’t take NOTHING for this journey~~ now! My life is RICH because she is one of the ones that TAUGHT me, by EXAMPLE how to LIVE it! What she IMPARTED to us, as students and as a People is PRICELESS! So today, I am NO LONGER sad and hopeless~ as some may feel….No, for if the ‘Seed’ is cast to the ground and buried~ will it not PRODUCE MORE FRUIT, after its’ kind?!!!! The seeds this GREAT Woman planted within us with her profound writings will CONTINUE to bring in great HARVESTS of like-minded, lovers of ALL that is GOOD with the world~~ for a lifetime!!! So, beloveds, ‘WEEP NOT! Weep NOT! For she IS NOT DEAD’!~~ ‘She IS ONLY, just~ GONE HOME’! (paraphrasing James W. Johnson, Go Down Death ) CELEBRATE, for to be absent from the physical body, means that our Dear One is now, PRESENT WITH THE LORD!!!! HALLELUJAH! Well Done, Maya! :o}
Dr. Marcia Boyd
Dr. Maya Angelou was a giant. Larger than life and her life, words and convictions led so many of us to become better, more courageous, and more loving. Today, I am a doctor because she helped me to believe in myself. I will never forget her and will love her forever. Dr. Angelou may you rest in peace in the kingdom of heaven. God Bless you
Aileen Imana
Dr. Maya Angelou,
Your voice will remain in my heart and my fingertips as I will call on you as my muse. You are such an inspiration and truly are immoralized through your deeds and work. Thank you so much for the example you set of awakening to your own potential and revealing it and tapping into it. Thanking the Almighty for your presence and hoping that we as youth, young women, young authors, young writers, young mothers and fathers, young brothers and sisters–that we can carry the baton that you have passed on to us. Though I have never met you in person, your energy and presence is prominent and close to my heart.
Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou! Sending infinite prayers of blessings and love to you and your successors!
Crystal Waiters
My deepest condolences goes out to the family of Dr. Maya Angelou. She has made such an impact on my life through a lot of her work. She will truly be missed. My prayers go out to the family may God heal all your wounds.
Patrice
Maya Angelou was a great warrior who didn’t let the struggles in her life bring her down. Although I never met her, I feel as though I knew her. She has impacted the lives of so many people! I had the privilege of reading her books and her poems and she let us know that she wasn’t perfect and she had lots of ups and downs. But this is what shaped her Legacy! Maya, you will certainly be missed. Rejoice In Paradise!!! <3
Vickie Smallwood
I have read Maya Angelou’s books and have read her poems and watched her in movies. I wished that I and my daughters could have had a chance to meet her having been so close in Winston-Salem and us in Raleigh. She was a great historian and inspiration and her words can live on to inspire us all in our various hardships and struggles. So sad for such a loss to occur. We have her cherished memories that will live on. Condolences to her family and friends all over the world.
As a flight attendant in 1969/70, I occasionally ran across Dr. Maya Angelou in airports. She could not be missed … tall, erect, regal … her hair wrapped with beautiful head scarves.
At the time I had no idea what an impact this author of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” would have on my life.
Many years later, as a Wake Forest student, I did not have the opportunity to study with her.
However, we have spent many nights together in my solitude, reading till light.
I am grateful to Dr. Angelou for her thoughts about life experiences, joy, gratitude,
courage, forgiveness & love she has shared with the world.
Her presence will remain.
Marjorie Haston Dannelly
WFU class of 1992
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of this woman who greatly inspired many women through her lifetime. She inspired me to be a better person, to let go of the past, to forgive my mother, to see pass the ignorance of others, to strive to be the best I can be, to work harder for things in life worth having and to forgive myself.
She will greatly be missed by me. She was one of my inspirational people whom I wanted to meet on day.
Rachel C,
Your books and poetry have been an inspiration to me and it have given me so much food for thought. Thanks to you my Dear Sister, I have broaden my horizons and gained a great deal of self confidence from your life stories. I will miss the many words of wisdom you have shared with us.
In remembrance.
Me.
What a gift Maya has been to so many of us – especially those of us who didn’t read as much as we should have. I give her all the credit for whatever love I have for reading at this point in my life.
Her book “I know why the caged bird sings” was the beginning of a new chapter in my appreciation for reading. I NEVER had an experience where I couldn’t put a book down.
The rest is history. I continue to recommend her work to the masses.
Thanks Maya for sharing your gift with me and the world!
Dr. Angelou,
I attended class full-time and worked full-time as an undergraduate at Wake Forest University. Needless to say, I had a turbulent undergraduate experience. Meeting you during my undergraduate tenure gave me the strength to stay the course. Thank you for your shining example, your caring way, and sharing your immense mental strength with me and countless others.
In my darkest hours, I have turned to your words for comfort and inspiration. Though your death is a loss for all of humanity, it will never be felt as acutely by those outside of the Wake Forest University community.
Rest well, ancestor. I owe you a huge debt, which I strive daily to repay.
With Immeasurable Love and Respect,
Charles Elam Gibson III, EdS, MA
PhD Candidate, The Pennsylvania State University
Wake Forest University, The Undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences, Class of 2009
As a native of Winston-Salem, I was 6 years old when Dr. Angelou became the Reynolds Professor at Wake Forest University. I, then, began to recognize her name each time I heard it. I loved reading her poetry in my youth and throughout my life. At 13 years old, I met her and shook her hand at the first National Black Theatre Festival in 1989 and I remember telling her that I was honored to meet her. I cherish that memory today and always. Rest in peace! Well Done!
I first saw Dr. Angelou at the Presidential Inaugaration and later on the Oprah show, which was a celebration of a then, 70th birthday. I was awestruck. She was a spiritual powerhouse, full of fun and delighted in kindness and compassion. When Oprah asked her what was the most interesting thing about turning 70, I actually leaned forward to catch what guessed would be a very profound message – the meaning of life. Instead, she smiled and said, “Well, the breasts are interesting. They appear to be on a race to my belt. First the left is winning, then the right…”
I read all her books, attended one of her lectures last year and recite her wise words frequently. She will be dearly missed by all she has touched, but her light will never go out. Welcome home gentle spirit and rest well from a job very well done!
Ekushe Beloved Elder,
Job well done!
You have left great life lessons and cultural treasures that we will pass on.
I honor you and appreciate your faith, spirit and grace. Your eternal legacy is our inheritance.
And now you have earned a well deserved rest.
Rest in Peace, Dr. Angelou….Though we never met, as a Wake alumnus (’61), I can attest that you have made us all proud that you chose Wake Forest to spread your wonders to the world. Deep sympathy to family and friends.
May her memory be for a blessing.
The world is wiser, more tolerant and much less lonely because Maya Angelou shared her prodigious gifts of language, communication and healing with us. Thank you and rest well dear sister.
Here, now, present but departed Dr. Maya Angelou. Victimized at an early age but you changed that to soothe all, and our world. Compassionate Maya. You imbibed free spirit and freely you poured hope, compassion and soothing kindness to the universe. Maya triumphed and we all triumphees of your immense shared blessings. Moses will meet you and be grateful – for you use your words to part the seas of darkness and fear and for freedom; Elijah will be glad you shine the light and our Lord Jesus Christ beckons welcome to His child for the good battle you fought for us all. You serve the universe well. Please be happy in the realms, albeit our universe is still a mess – those girls in Nigeria still kidnapped and terrorism still scoops joys. Our politicians are still pick pocketing. You did well Ma; Dr. Maya. Now we commit you to the dear Angels. Rest adieu, good beloved mother Maya.
Wake Forest was made more elegant by her residency, though Dr. Angelou would deplore the word. What a complete delight she was.
I was stunned and saddened yesterday to hear of the passing of my beloved Mentor/life Couch… in my head. I ‘met’ her writings as a teen, pushing 60 now…but wouldn’t take NOTHING for this journey~~ now! My life is RICH because she is one of the ones that TAUGHT me, by EXAMPLE how to LIVE it! What she IMPARTED to us, as students and as a People is PRICELESS! So today, I am NO LONGER sad and hopeless~ as some may feel….No, for if the ‘Seed’ is cast to the ground and buried~ will it not PRODUCE MORE FRUIT, after its’ kind?!!!! The seeds this GREAT Woman planted within us with her profound writings will CONTINUE to bring in great HARVESTS of like-minded, lovers of ALL that is GOOD with the world~~ for a lifetime!!! So, beloveds, ‘WEEP NOT! Weep NOT! For she IS NOT DEAD’!~~ ‘She IS ONLY, just~ GONE HOME’! (paraphrasing James W. Johnson, Go Down Death ) CELEBRATE, for to be absent from the physical body, means that our Dear One is now, PRESENT WITH THE LORD!!!! HALLELUJAH! Well Done, Maya! :o}
Dr. Maya Angelou was a giant. Larger than life and her life, words and convictions led so many of us to become better, more courageous, and more loving. Today, I am a doctor because she helped me to believe in myself. I will never forget her and will love her forever. Dr. Angelou may you rest in peace in the kingdom of heaven. God Bless you
Dr. Maya Angelou,
Your voice will remain in my heart and my fingertips as I will call on you as my muse. You are such an inspiration and truly are immoralized through your deeds and work. Thank you so much for the example you set of awakening to your own potential and revealing it and tapping into it. Thanking the Almighty for your presence and hoping that we as youth, young women, young authors, young writers, young mothers and fathers, young brothers and sisters–that we can carry the baton that you have passed on to us. Though I have never met you in person, your energy and presence is prominent and close to my heart.
Thank you Dr. Maya Angelou! Sending infinite prayers of blessings and love to you and your successors!
My deepest condolences goes out to the family of Dr. Maya Angelou. She has made such an impact on my life through a lot of her work. She will truly be missed. My prayers go out to the family may God heal all your wounds.
Maya Angelou was a great warrior who didn’t let the struggles in her life bring her down. Although I never met her, I feel as though I knew her. She has impacted the lives of so many people! I had the privilege of reading her books and her poems and she let us know that she wasn’t perfect and she had lots of ups and downs. But this is what shaped her Legacy! Maya, you will certainly be missed. Rejoice In Paradise!!! <3
I have read Maya Angelou’s books and have read her poems and watched her in movies. I wished that I and my daughters could have had a chance to meet her having been so close in Winston-Salem and us in Raleigh. She was a great historian and inspiration and her words can live on to inspire us all in our various hardships and struggles. So sad for such a loss to occur. We have her cherished memories that will live on. Condolences to her family and friends all over the world.