A life that made a difference

(This entry should be for tomorrow, 23 July 2016, but the rule is only one entry per day...   so, I'm backing up this entry by one day)

Attended this afternoon (Saturday, 23 July)  in Athens Georgia, the memorial service for my friend and research partner Charlotte A. Ford (1921-2016). Miss Charlotte was a dynamic, feisty, and independent woman who made a difference in our world.

She was truly the definitive authority on Eliza Frances "Fanny" Andrews (1840-1931). Professor Ford supported and guided me for more than 20 years in my Fanny Andrews work. Miss Charlotte shared with me her lifetime of scholarship on our shared research focus.  Charlotte like Fanny was a determined and strong-willed woman.

I will miss Charlotte's charm, her wit, and her intelligence!

The accompanying photograph was taken about five years ago during one or our work sessions in her Athens apartment. We were then determined to discover to the world the frustrations of many 19th century women, Southern women trapped on the pedestal of Southern chivalry!

Charlotte was in charge! She refused to be dictated to by men... both she and Fanny described men in general as "lords of the universe!"  That is, men exercising authority based only on gender... not ability or intelligence!
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The moderator-mistress of ceremonies at today's service posited a thought provoking question. She asked if those gathered to remember Charlotte Ford had considered what the dash between years really means in an obituary, really means on a headstone. Charlotte Ford's dash (1921 - 2016) represented so much life, so many challenges, victories, heartache, scholarship, living through the depression, through World War II, losing two husbands, the loss of an infant son, raising three children, college degrees, high school and college teaching, dealing with the obstacles placed before a woman in the academy! It is a highly meaningful and life-filled dash!

She persevered with charm, grace, and determination! ...and she did not suffer fools easily!

Keep smilin'