There have been many wonderful things said and written about my mother. She has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and recognitions of merit. However, despite these accolades, there is not a single superlative that can clearly define who she was: more than outstanding; greater than magnificent; beyond extraordinary; Maybe, WONDERWOMAN!  IN 2005, The Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Incorporated did illuminate a superlative by comparing my mother to a modern day Sojourner Truth. They gave her the Sojourner Truth Award because she mirrored the characteristics of Sojourner Truth in Courage, Perseverance, Clear Vision, and Dedication to a Cause.

Today, you can clearly see my mother's imprint reflected in all of her children: sons and daughters; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and even  early signs of it emerging in her great-great- grandchild. Tomorrow, there is a strong likelihood that this great nation will hail one of her great-granddaughters or great-great-granddaughters as ---MADAME PRESIDENT. 

iN MY LMOTHER'S OWN WORDS: We are spiritual beings living a human experience. What you do with this experience is your choice to make. 

Ma (Nana) was a bright, well read woman of courage, determination and perseverance.  She seemed to be tireless in all she did especially in caring for her family. She was not the one to wait for someone to do something she deemed necessary to be done!  She always was truthful about what she thought but was a willing listener and I will miss her and the conversations we had about many subjects in which we learned from each other.  Rest well Ma knowing you left a great legacy behind you for so many.  With Love Sheilah

NaNa, love personified. You were always willing to do whatever was needed for those that needed help. You were also a pillar of wisdom. I am blessed to have been able to have insightful conversations with you. You always seemed to know the correct way to approach certain situations even if I believed your ways were wrong at times. You always knew and that I will miss. Truly an amazing person in many ways, I love you NaNa.

Rest in Peace,
Tommmy 

Life is funny sometimes....Never would I have imagined that you would be absent (in body) from my life so soon after the passing of Dad.  However, we (siblings, grands, other family, and friends) will be fine because you are once again at the side of dad.

Thank you for being my mother.  From you I have learned the values by which I live my life and have passed on to my sons and grands.  I have learned the importance of family ties, unconditional love, and giving, not looking for anything in return other than the satisfaction of having lended a hand or helped someone.

You inspired me to be the best individual I could be and dare to  do whatever it was I desire to do.  You and dad taught us to be independent thinkers and doers.  Your determination spilled over to all of us.  One example that comes to mind is the summer you built a screen door for the back door - the word "can't/cannot" was not in your vocabulary as it is not in mine. :)  Thinking about those summers makes me smile as I remember you making homemade ice cream.  A better endeavor for you than "baking"

Although many times we did not see eye to eye on a variety of subjects, I appreciate the fact that the clasdh of strong wills and opinions did not diminish our love.  I think in many ways, I was just a younger version of you because as I got older, I found myself doing things as you would do them.

You and dad gave us a zest for education and I know you were proud of our accomplishments in this area.  We are all lifelong learners.  Thank you.  I am an educator today partly because of you.  As a young girl I remember sitting in your second/third grade class at Bangs Ave once a week as I waited for the taxi to take me to my dance class.  You were also my seventh grade teacher.  But, one thing that stays vivid in my mind is accompanying you to your college classes in the evening and knowing that one I too would attending college.  Here's to show you how this experience was repeated in me - often if I could not find a babysitter for Steven Craig while attending CCP, I would take him with me.  I guess the instructors thought she realy wants an education and would let him sit in the class.  He would quietly do the work I brought for him to do.  Now between us I could not have done this with your other grand, Khary.

I told myself that I would not write a book because you know in your heart how I  feel about you....  As the remaining daughter (your mom was a daughter, who had you, a daughter, who had me and Danita) I will continue to make you proud.  Although we wore the same size shoe, I cannot begin to fill the position you held in our family.  I can only do my best to ensure that the legacy continues and continues strong.

Mom I love you and miss you - You can be assured that we (family) continue to be one for all and all for one 

Your daughter Karen 

Dear Nana,

You have always been a true blessing to the Daniels’ family. We have been truly blessed to be around your warm spirit. You have also been a guiding light and a source of strength for each and everyone one of us. Thank you for leaving a legacy of trust, perservarance, and mostly love. There is no better example of two people loving each other unconditionally like you and pop-pop. I love you and miss you!

Love your granddaughter,

Joy Love Daniels

"I heard so many stories about Karen's mom and when I met her she was everything and more.  When I first met Miss Maxine and we began to talk, I was drawn into her conversation and personality.  Each time after that, when we would talk, even for a few moments she would take my hand and I would usually bend down (old knees and all), and ask her questions, but mostly I listened to what she had to say.  I told Karen that my son was reading "The New Jim Crow Incarceration of Colorblindness,"  which in turn I read.  She said that her mom had read it, and I was looking forward to discussing it with her. Unfortunately, for me, that day never came.  I will always remember and feel her take my hand and hold it with warmth, and gentleness.  I only wish I would have had the pleasure to be in her company more.  So to Miss Maxine, I want you to know that I truly enjoyed the all too few moments I had in your company.  Hopefully, one day, we will meet again, and we can discuss " . . .Jim Crow. . .,  and many other books.

With Warmth and Fondness

Kim"

Nana,

I am truly very sad that you are gone.  I loved the times I would stop by and we would walk through your yard, and you took the time to show me all the plants that you were taking care of followed with a detailed explanation of your future plans for the yard.  I enjoyed walking through every corner of your yard and getting your progress report detailing what you had worked on that week.  You were always independent and did not let other people keep you from achieving your goals.  The Sunday before you passed away you were telling me that you hired someone to cut the lawn, but for the money you were reconsidering because you were still doing half the work :).  That was my Nana!   

I was really looking forward to helping you, this fall and next spring.  Not necessarily to do all the yard work ;) , but I loved the many side conversations that would ensue.  I found out so many things about my cousins, you were so proud to tell me what everyone was doing.  You would tell me things like “pay attention to Simone it’s these little ones that matter”.  You were so kind and loving to me.  You loved children, and wanted to make sure that all children were loved and had access to a quality education.  We will do our best to carry on what you started!  You are my grandmother, but you were also my friend who was always in my corner and I will miss you.

Love,
Jelani

        Even after retiring from the school district as an instructor, Nana remained dedicated in counseling and influencing people, not to mention her children and grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren.  Nana always encouraged and challenged us to start or remain involved in productive and successful endeavors.  Each task taken on was important and putting forth maximum effort was the only option. 

        I distinctly recall when President Obama was elected president; I reflected on and thought how cool it was that my Nana; who was quite instrumental—as she was actively involved in many civil rights objectives.  Nana served for a long period of time as 1st vice president of the Asbury Park-Neptune NAACP— Nana was able to witness the fruits of hard work finally rewarded.  As my PopPop always said “there is always something to do e.g. work or read a book, I knew my Nana concurred.  Nana had a comforting yet no nonsense approach when she conveyed her thoughts, however. 

        My Nana’s wide smile and open arms each time I saw her.  I will always remember that.  I am an extension of her, and yes there is plenty of work for me to do...  Community service/ activism were her strong suits (to name a few) in my opinion, kind of vital as Nana was an astute teacher.  And she paved the way for a long line of instructors and crusaders following in her footsteps.  My mother used to always reminisce with me how she was a student of Nana’s, back when.  One would think that it would be a breeze of a school year for my mom.  Quite the contrary, Nana had lofty expectations; the pressure was applied for, my mom not only had to succeed, but exceed the other students.

        Little do we know, that any acts of good deed and kindness, can be deemed as Community service.  I can appreciate and understand it more.  Time spent, more often, is more valuable than money spent.  I am never too old to learn valuable lessons.  Thank you Nana for your wonderful presence, your devotion, and your zeal to make a difference!

Love always,

Khary

Dear Mom,

             The true measure of a person is known by the fruit they bear.  I am one of those fruits you bore.  A large measure of what you accomplished in and with your life, time, energy, opportunities, abilities and love can be seen in the number of children you taught and raised (7) and in the success your children have achieved in their lives, careers and in the way they have raised their children.  Another large measure of your life has been captured and described beautifully in the “Reflections of Your Life.” 

             When the long arc of the moral universe bent towards justice, it found you standing there already.  When justice rolled down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream, in the Monmouth County, N.J. area from the 1950s to the present, you and other civil rights activist like your husband, Thomas Daniels; Ermon Jones; Darby Brooks, Jr.; Sam Jones; Howard West; Vernon McGowen, Jr. and so many more made sure that that justice and righteousness created education, housing and employment opportunities and social, economic and political benefits for African Americans.  The educational, housing and employment opportunities included but were not limited to the desegregation of the Neptune Township Public School System, the Gable Housing Development and the Neptune Township Municipal government work force in the late 1950s and early 1960s.  As a result of yours, dad’s and others’ ongoing civil rights efforts the Neptune Township Public School System and Neptune Township Municipal government has become one of the more integrated and progressive school systems and municipalities in New Jersey where African Americans have a real voice in setting public policy. 

             However, your true essence, the real flower of your nature and character cannot be captured within the long list of your professional, community, political, social, civil rights and humanitarian activities, awards and achievements.  A glimpse of your true essence can be caught best from the truth that you were an excellent and outstanding human being, neighbor, mother, wife, friend, family member, educator, mentor, community servant and tireless warrior in the struggle for equal rights, treatment and opportunities and freedom for all people.  This represents a better measure of the person you were and it represents your contribution to the enrichment and betterment of the lives of all the people around you and all the people who came in contact with you. 

             Both you and dad were pious and wise.  You both taught us how to know love and the truth, to internalize these values and manifest them in word and deed in our lives.  Although you both were spiritual, you were the full embodiment of spirituality in your words and actions.  A small glimpse of your spirituality appears in the truth of the statement that you repeated to us often, that is, we are first and foremost spiritual beings having a human experience.  You shared with us your understanding of what it meant to be spiritual and you would say to us frequently that we are intelligent, thinking beings and we create our world with our thoughts.  If you want a positive outcome think positive.  You knew without a doubt that a person’s spirit survives the body’s physical death and lives on forever, continuing to play a positive role in the lives of family members and friends.

             Another glimpse of the nature and character of your person can be seen in your pursuit of knowledge.  The evidence of your pursuit of knowledge can be seen in the extensive book collection that you amassed.  This book collection covered your bedroom and downstairs walls on shelves that ran from the floor to the ceiling.  Your book collection shows the depth of your devotion to reading and wanting to know more about everything and wanting to share that knowledge about everything with others.  I will cherish always and miss the lively discussions that you and I had about everything you read and your crafty way of drawing a person into a discussion about what you read by saying: “I just want you to read this short passage that I have enclosed in brackets on this page in this book and after you read it, I want you to tell me what you think about it.  Here son, you are a lawyer, it shouldn’t take you long to read it.” 

             Then I would find myself, three hours later wondering how did I get caught up into a discussion that started with a short passage in a book and morphed into a discussion about politics, local, national and international events; spirituality; health and fitness.  However, because the transition from one topic to the other changed so subtly, I found it hard to remember how we got to the point we were at in the discussion.  It also made it hard to end the discussion because our exchanges were thought provoking.  I will hold dear also the exchanges we had where we had different perspective about a topic of discussion.  To this day, I have to admit you were a better human being than I, because you held the belief that you should help a person, even if they tell you they don’t want your help.  My position remains unchanged; I honor a person’s wishes.  If they refuse my help, I take them at their word.  

             Even though your consciousness no longer resides in the body and mind you inhabited, I know the truth that you live on within all of us because we have become what you taught us.  You taught all of your children and your lineal descendants such as your grandchildren and great-grandchildren that you can do and be anything you want to do or be, just give it your undivided attention.  You would also say to all of us, whatever you start you must finish; don’t start something if you are not going to finish it.  Also you taught us to strive to do our very best in everything we do and that to excel and to be the very best that you can be, you must never stop preparing yourself to be the best and to do that you must never stop learning.  Your passion for collecting and reading books to be better informed and to better inform others epitomize your advice to never stop learning.

             Finally, you always had kind words of encouragement and a hug for us when the going got rough or the challenge seemed too great to succeed.  You taught us that to love; be truthful and honest; maintain our integrity and a cool demeanor; be healthy and fit; constantly improve yourself; strive for greatness; have high standards; hug everyone; read constantly; get married; raise your children, foster family unity, perform community service; be politicized, vote in every election; know the political issues, stay abreast of current and world affairs, travel the world, be fearless and courageous, struggle for human dignity and civil rights, fight for justice, fairness, equality and freedom; stand for what is right and decent and help your fellow human being even if they refuse your help.

             Because of what you and dad did with your lives, I can say truly that I knew two great human beings.  However, yours and dad’s greatness was eclipsed only by the humility, benevolence and compassion you exhibited towards others.  I will remember forever your all-embracing hug; smothering love and your enchanting, captivating, delightful, charming, lovely, attractive, appealing, engaging, winning, disarming and irresistible smile.  I look forward to the new experience that is you.  I love you.

 Your son, Kevin

When it comes to remembering you, I can think of hundreds of things you said to put me in check. I mean to be honest, I my have a smart mouth but your quick wittedness was unmatched at any age. I can think of a hundred of mannerisms you did. Like how you invented the side eye and the stern look that said everything you needed to say in that moment to get your point across. I can think of the encouraging words you had for me and while you were always proud that I did good in school, dance, and in my career, you ALWAYS left me with wisdom to be greater. And how I initially always thought "well can't you just be proud" but realized when I channeled you for whatever reason that I was blessed to have your advice.

Growing up, you were the oen I most admired because you showed me the positive end results of ever thing from, love to work. You showed me what love truly meant. It meant that good, bad, or indifferent; you are always by his side, his best friend, his #1 fan. You challenged him to be greater and you always knew how to have a voice without deminishing him in anyway. 

You showed me to always be heard in a room full of others. It never mattered how many people were speaking at once, somehow your raspy voice could quiet down an auditorium and all attention would be on you. You showed me to keep great company around you in the journey that you are one because you never kept bad company around yourself nor your family. But most importantly, you showed me that in the end, make sure whatever you've done in your life, it is something you can be proud of. And those last moments with you proved all your hardwork within your family, truly paid off.

Now that you've left this earth. I think what I will miss most is being able to say, "hey beautiful" whenever I see you and seeing you wave bye either on your porch or on your sidewalk whenever I left until you can no longer see me. 

It was truly an honor to call you grandmother and thank you for everything you instilled in me.  

I love you

Sharifa 

The days since you passed helped me to realize how many people do not know, to care that you have left the planet... Of course it is only because their soul was not fortunate enough to be enriched by your presence.  To simply sum up your 88 years of life with the standard words of comfort... (something like...my condolences...) is not sufficient. I've been on a mission to educate those that are genuinely interested, and care to listen, by sharing my personal testimonies (and rambling) about how much you impacted my life and the lives of so many people they probably will never meet.  I tell them how I lived with you and Pop-Pop for three years and never went outside, how my grades went from D’s to A’s, and how I always considered those the worst years of my life because you and Pop-Pop went from the greatest grandparents in the world to the worst.

Once they process my pain and the horror of living at 52 Fredric Drive, I tell the story that changed my life… I came home in 8th grade excited because I earned a 95% (took me 2 years to get A’s). You just looked at me and said in your iconic- raspy Nana voice- “did someone in your class get 100%?... If so, you need to find them and find out what they did..., then earn higher.  That moment summed up everything you and Pop-Pop taught me about education during our three years together… don’t be second best, be the best and beyond.

So for all of those who pause their life for a few minutes, they will learn about the tough love strategy you used to turn a D-student into an Ivy League graduate… a student who was happy to just pass into a student who does not settle for just an A. 

Sometimes love has to be tough, sometimes it has to hurt, sometimes it requires stripping a person down and restructuring their DNA to get them in line with the plan.  That is what you do when you love someone and that is what you did to me.  Thank you for imprinting the secret to educational success onto my DNA.  Thank you for being the GREATEST (and toughest) GRANDMOTHER! I love you too…

- Kwesi 

Dearest Nana,

I can't believe you are gone so soon but I'm glad, considering, you are reunited with God and your love, pop-pop. I will miss you tremendously; your pearls of wisdom, your truth and your beautiful smile from ear to ear to greet me when I would come to visit. Thank you for the lessons you taught me directly and indirectly concerning the beauty of marriage. You knew what it would take for two people to make a marriage work and if it was there, it was there and if it wasn't, it wasn't. You definitely had your way of letting me know either of the two (smile). It meant so much to me when you took Derrick's hand and held it in yours and told me you approved (and it didn't take you long because you had a knack for reading people within a few minutes). It took me awhile to get to the right path in terms of a life partner but you loved me in and through all my detours and knew I would eventually get there. You and pop-pop were there. There- the place of true love. Not love drenched in romanticism and fantasy but true love characterized by commitment, growth, mutual respect, sacrifice, and acceptance. Marriage is two people becoming one and if done with the right type of person (Godly character and similar values) is truly a gift. I thank you and pop-pop for this nugget not only in word but in demonstration and for allowing us to witness such a beautiful expression of "oneness" in your marriage. Thank you for choosing each other and honoring that choice for a lifetime. True love does exist: 67 years of marriage; I stand in awe at all you were able to do with and for each other in those years. We are the beneficiaries of the love you shared in your marriage. It doesn't leave now that you and pop-pop are gone but it lives on in us and the generations to come. I love you very much and look forward to seeing you both again someday, with special anticipation of your smile from ear to ear greeting me. 1 John 3:18.

Love,

Celena Daniels Guest, your grand-daughter

NaNa,

The contributions you made towards the advancement of Black people is worthy of a standing ovation.  I would say that we will carry the torch that you left behind but that would be an impossible task.  While we could never fill your shoes or impact the community the way you did, we promise to be responsible stewards of your legacy, hard work and sacrifice.  Your concern for justice and equality for people who live on the margins has left an indelible impression on me and impacts how I view myself, my family and my neighbors. Thank you for taking seriously the roles of education, community service, family and civil rights.  May we all continue to do our best to honor your legacy, care about what you cared about and live a life that esteemes other people more than ourselves.

Thank you NaNa.

+ Derrick L. Guest

My grandmother was amazing! She was the type of person that stood up when someone was wronged. She was THE person that you wanted to know when you wanted something done and you wanted it to be done right. I can think of a multitude of times when she would come to the defense of someone in the family of community and FORCE them to fix whatever mistake they made. The interesting thing about it is she did it so gracefully. She was not the type of person to come in a room yelling or scream to force someone’s hand, she an immovable presence that when she stated something, you just did it. No questions asked. Man! I admired my grandmother so much! She was the perfect balance of gracefulness, courage, independence, intelligence, artistic ability, and devotion. She was the WHOLE package… and some! I would only hope to be a half of her at that age. One of the things I knew so well about her was that she embodied all of the attributes of an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman. At the time, I did not even know much about the organization, but I did know whoever they were, if it would allow me to even be close to the type of person my grandmother was, that I HAD to be a member of that organization. I remember the day I told my grandmother that I was selected to be a member of the organization and I mentioned the cost. It was not even a second thought, she literally pulled out her checkbook and handed me the money. That is just the type of person she is. She instilled so many values in me that I remember to this day. I remember when I was a freshman in college, I came back for the summer and she TOLD me to get a license (in her way). She told me that you should not depend on anyone for anything, it is important to have your independence, and my lack of license was taking that away…. And I got my license the next day! Because of all of these things, I made it my MISSON to make her proud! I know that she was because she told me every day and I will continue to make her proud every day. I love you Nana and I will miss you so much!

I was blessed with a wonderful mom that had all the attributes of a strong, loving, caring, spiritual, beautiful, supportive, and knowledgeable woman.

She along with my father were my mentors in all aspects of life. 

I will miss the weekly calls with her discussing topics from health, politics, spiritual growth, wisdom, and family, civil rights, to current national, community, and world events.  She never missed a beat and approached every situation with LOVE FIRST!

I remember her telling me that "a person cannot choose their parents".  But God blessed my siblings, their mates, their children, and me with the best Mom ever.  I enjoyed and learned from her about how to have relationships on all levels to others from a respectful, trusting, supportive, caring, and loving perspective.  I learned from her that people are individuals and human beings, no matter what traits they may have; they are still God's children and should be accepted without any pre-conceived judgement.  To put my statement another way - to take the time to get to know someone from your own perspective and not from the perspective of others.

I remember the generations of friends, students, neighbors and children who lives she touched that were forever changed by her caring love and support to them while God allowed her physical present to be here on this earth.  I am so happy that they were able to call her Friend, Mom, and Nana as well as I was.

As I move forward today without her physical frame being here with us, I know she is always present in spirit and in our memories.

That you God for allowing this beautiful, strong women to be a major part of my life and to the lives of others!

Love you Mom.