Strong, yet soft. Intelligent, yet humble. Firm, yet calming. Those are just some of the characteristics of my Queen, my first love, my mother.
You taught me to see people as people no matter what color, sexual preference or belief system. You taught me not only what love is but also what it should be, you exemplified true love and compassion for humankind.
There were many times we would come home and there would be a vacuum salesperson or encyclopedia salesperson you had fed lunch, and they left calling you mom.
People who knew you knew that you were a woman of love and understanding, I have yet to run into anyone that has had a bad word about you.
You also taught me how to treat people and to try to put the shoe on the other foot. Your love and compassion were so intoxicating, just being around you made people feel better.
So to you I say thank you for making the man I am today, you are still my inspiration to try and live righteously daily, and to help as many people along life's path as I can.
You, my Queen, left a legacy and foundation of love and it's up to the people whose hearts you touched to build upon that foundation, in hopes of building a better world for future generations.
My mom, Wanda Martin Blakney, your son, JT. loves you and it hurts every day you're not here. But every time I help someone or give a little of what I have to help someone less fortunate you are on my mind.
You may be gone but you will never ever be forgotten. I LOVE YOU FOREVER!




















