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My Mother's Eulogy

by ‎07-29-2016 01:15 PM - edited ‎07-29-2016 01:16 PM

I have missed you all so much and I am looking forward to seeing you next week. I thought I would share with you a portion of the eulogy James wrote. He did an amazing job as did my dear friend Leah Williams who read it at the funeral.  It gives you a glimpse into my mom's amazing life. Thank you for your prayers and support.

 

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Jane Smith a common name; a unique life

 

Jane was born in Media, Pa.  Her entry to the world, in December, 1932, came via an at-home birth - presided over by a mid-wife – two doors away from the home that she would ultimately grow up in.  She was proud of this little detail because it meant that she could truly call Media PA her lifelong home.  Despite residing for 83 ½ years within a one mile radius; her life; her influence; her hopes and dreams; would radiate far beyond that small circle.  

 

After a joyous childhood playing in the quiet neighborhood of this mid-century American town, she would attend Media High School where she was a three-sport letter winner.  The Media High School Track, Basketball and Field Hockey teams benefited from her athletic prowess and competitive spirit. Her silky alto voice could be heard in the Media High School choir and the Campbell AME Church.  During those teenaged years, she perfected immaculate and precise cursive penmanship;  a trait that she would become known for; and a harbinger to her future passion for careful…meticulous…structured organization.

 

After graduation from high school in 1951, an academic scholarship carried her to Rider College in NJ where she was the first African-American woman to live on campus.  Many of you know, first-hand, the challenges that she faced.  Despite the barriers and indignities, Jane graduated in 1953 – head held high – with an Associate’s Degree from the Rider College Department of Machine and Office Training.

 

Jane’s professional career began at the University of Pennsylvania, before landing a job as a classroom aid for the Rose Tree Media School District – there she would loyally work for the next 32 years - ultimately ascending to the position of Administrative Assistant for Pupil Services.  Along the way, she always voted – a responsibility that she took very seriously; she got married;   started a family;   became a single mother;   generously supported service organizations, like the United Negro College Fund, The NAACP, the local police associations and the fire department. 

 

There most certainly were difficult times; but…she never relented.  As a single mom, Jane took on additional jobs, including night work, in an effort to insure opportunity for her young family.  She never indulged in luxuries for herself; typically wearing one of just a handful of dresses that she owned.  Nothing fancy;   no walk-in closets full of shoes and dresses and purses; but always neat…clean…pressed…and professional.  Her long, lean frame and straight posture striking a dignified and elegant silhouette wherever she went; whatever she did.

 

A serious woman who took her responsibilities seriously; but also knew how to have fun.  She found joy in simple activities – a good book for instance (its estimated that she has read over 7,000 books in her lifetime).  Watching her children dance and sing about the house, staging impromptu theater, was to her better than any highly coveted Broadway show.  And then there were the sports; she loved Serena and Venus and Tiger;  March Madness and the Olympics – both Summer and Winter.  Later in life she discovered lacrosse and became a passionate fan of any lacrosse team coached by her son-in-law, Rick.  Most of all though, she loved football - pro, college and high school.  Tirelessly routing, anguishing and living for her Philadelphia Eagles.

 

Jane loved music – classics, Gospel and the contemporary. “Blurred Lines”, the 2004 smash hit by Robin Thicke was one of her contemporary favorites.  We don’t think she quite understood the lyrics…thankfully; Mistakenly referring to the song as “Bird Blinds”; but, the rhythm compelled her to bounce and shimmy every time she heard it.  Music moved her soul and freed her from her endearing shyness.  Harmony and rhythm would almost coerce her to move and hum….like on weekend trip with fellow mom-in-law, Gloria, to see The Lion King and Wicked in New York City; Jane could be heard by those in attendance humming the entire score…beginning to end…joyously adding her voice to the on-stage cast.

 

She was an inventor and trend-setter too.  Many do not know this.  Decades before the creation of the modern sports-bar and NFL RedZone, Jane would bring TVs from all over the house to the living room, so that she could simultaneously watch 3, 4, 5 football games on multiple sets at once.  Yes…Jane Smith…invented the RedZone.  Long before “reclaimed” was a thing (“reclaimed wood”, “reclaimed furniture”, for example), Jane figured out how to “reclaim” everything.  A piece of aluminum foil was NOT a disposable, one-use commodity; but, instead was a “durable good” built to last for days, weeks even months of repeat usage…but…only if properly cared for, cleaned, folded and stored away in its specially designated “reclaimed foil section” of the pantry.

Jane cherished her sister-like relationships; she didn’t have a sister of her own; but there were several women in her life that were just like sisters to her; Priscilla;  Muriel;  Gloria;  Helen;  Marjorie;  Odessa;  Harriet;  Betty.  Whether a fierce game of pinochle, a island cruise, a weekend in NY, a book exchange, a phone call, a meal that could seemingly last for hours, Jane’s life was truly enriched by your presence…your caring…your love.

 

These are just a few of the things that Jane shared with us all during the time we had with her.  83 and a half years of laughter and sometimes sorrow; hard-work, dedication, caring, faith…love.  Jane Smith; a common name; a unique life;

The family would like to thank all of those who were part of Jane’s earthly life; those who cherished the time they had with her; who cared for her and sat with her when she fell ill; who supported the family; brought food; offered a helping hand; a hug; a shoulder to cry on; sent a card or flowers; uttered comforting words or simply prayed.  Thank you all and God Bless.

 

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Blessings, Jayne