IN PRAISE OF NANA MAPP GRAY

(In honor of Women’s History Month)

Thin, with alert eyes
Behind fair skin with a prominent
Middle-Eastern nose
A majestic carriage
These are surface characteristics

Closer study indicates
A quick wit and razor-keen mind --
She'd studied law --
A deep abiding caring for family
A *Baha'i with great caring for mankind

She made clothes, aprons for me
Adjusted my hemlines
Gave me the benefit of her wisdom
Without forcing her beliefs on me
Let me win at cards and Scrabble
To build up my early self-esteem
Encouraged me to excel
And taught me to love others

She remained youthful by being active
In political groups, Baha'i Faith
Sewing clothes for Native American children
And having young friends

I'm sure she's helping everyone
And holding Baha'i Firesides in Heaven


(Baha'i Faith -- a religious faith which believes in the Unification of Mankind.  Baha'u'llah, Founder of the Baha'i Faith in 1863, came to unite the world and spiritualize mankind.  The Forerunner was The Bab in 1844.)

ZYLPHA MAPP GRAY, mother of Josephine Mapp Edmonds of Springfield and Benny Mapp, Dr. Zylpha Mapp-Robinson (my mother), Richard Mapp and Janice Mapp – all of Springfield at one time.