In Loving Memory of my Mother, Myrna White-Russell (August 17, 1937 - May 27, 2014)

        She was the first African-American woman to dance on the Ed Sullivan Show. By that time, as a dancer who also studied singing and acting, she was already a Broadway success-story, and her resume included musical hits like "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and collaborations with artistic partners like Alvin Ailey, founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Either in her New York dancing career or in her Los Angeles acting career, she was truly a brilliant light of gentleness to those who were blessed to have known her. Wherever she went, her genuine smile and laughter filled the entire place with sincere joy. She was the dearest friend to many, a confidant to many more, and a compassionate soul to still so many more. But to me, she will always be Mom. I was not only blessed by having her bring me into this world and raise me, but I was also blessed to have had her as a truly and profoundly dear friend. And every time I found myself in a less-than-peaceful place in my life, her sincere prayers, words of comfort, and gestures of kindness always helped me to find my way back to GOD'S LOVING PEACE. Hers was an example of hope in action. Hers was a truly healing spirit who always taught me how to see the best in others, never the worst. Her examples of gentleness and compassion always remind me of the beauty and goodness that can shine so brightly from within us all. And in her humble kindheartedness, she was the most graceful soul I have ever known.