Oh Mom ... JESUS! Words cannot express the forlorn, indebted & grateful sorrow I feel about your passing. Since age 8 or 9 -- who you are and were to my/our independence, intellect, growth, elegance and yes, divaness, along with our beloved Father - is indescribable. As a young law student at TSU, you openly embraced motherhood of we 4 small Steptoe children. You loved us; cared for us; taught us and exemplified to us - unconditional, bold, maternal love. I shall always, always, always admire your strength, intellect, non-pettiness and .. yes, that inimitable quick retort. I do not think we girls ever confessed how we wore your furs, rhinestones and hats while living in Houston... Yes, we certainly pranced up and down the street - aspiring models that we were - wearing all your fabulousness in 100 degree weather. Sorry, but I also think I actually was the one who damaged your fox stole. But Mom - you and Father were such a perfect power couple for us to see ... daily ... and emulate. You put us in the best schools; exposed us to the best living and still, kept us grounded and unintimidated & unimpressed by others. We are THANKFUL, THANKFUL that you and Father filled our homes - daily - with uncompromising, brilliant black professionals. We regularly saw and heard high-brow, compelling discussions and the real-time visual of what truly accomplished, hardworking and moral black professionals are - just regular folks who themselves taught their children same as you did for us. Additionally, I would be remiss if I also did not add a special THANK YOU for providing me the pearls of wisdom regarding my own step-daughter who, like you with us, I reared when she was 8, but, unlike you with us - lost touch. I shall always, always pay homage to your spirit, your soul and your life. As persnickety as he was, Father knew, same as his own parents, that your soul, intellect, character and Neiman Marcus refined independence are what bespeaks true leaders in our community and family. Father was careful about sharing his children with others - but he was clearly receptive to your mothering of his 4 children. GOD BLESS YOU, MOM! I SHALL MISS YOU BUT WILL REVEL IN THE MEMORIES AND LIFE-LESSONS YOU IMPARTED TO US ALL. Thank you too for continuing to pay my Dillard U tuition when I met the Jimi Hendrix musician... you were just progressively fantastic and understanding on so many levels towards us. JESUS... THANK YOU! PS - I finally finished that doctorate! AMEN MOM! Daughter Dr. Carolyn Cecelia Steptoe Dr. Carolyn C. Steptoe Family