Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas, 1927-2012

Happy Tuesday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

Yesterday evening, I posted the bittersweet news regarding the sudden passing of our beloved sister and friend, Sylvia Esmeralda McKenzie Douglas. I broke the news on Facebook this past Friday, and in turn, I actually received well-wishes and condolences from my fans. Thanks a bunch, y’all—I really appreciate it.

In today’s blog, we have Sylvia’s biography. I hope you all enjoy it.

Sylvia Esmeralda McKenzie Douglas was born February 15, 1927 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the only child to Gary and Annette McKenzie, both of whom preceded her in death. Affectionately known as “Syl,” she was a genuine people person, and easily made friends everywhere she went, regardless if they were child or adult.

Syl also had an unusually strong rapport with school—she absolutely loved it! From the time she was a child, Syl would line up her dolls and stuffed animals in three rows, and proceed to teach them. She was so much in love with the whole aspect of learning and education that she made it a personal goal to be a teacher, and the fact that her father was a teacher was the perfect added incentive. After graduating from Twin Cities High School, she attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Child Development. In addition to getting a college education, Syl met, fell in love with, and ultimately married fellow classmate Roger William Douglas; the two were wed in 1945. It should also be important to point out that Syl was the first in her family to be class valedictorian in elementary, high school, and college.

After earning her teaching credentials in 1951, Syl accepted a position as a Third Grade teacher at Gopher State Elementary School, where she worked for 40 years. Syl treated her Third Graders as though they were her children, a feat that came naturally to her, considering that she and Roger raised four children.

Notwithstanding her love for teaching, Syl had a strong relationship with God, seconded by a zest for life. If she wasn’t teaching the Women’s Class in Sunday School, she was directing the Mighty Oak Mass Choir. She would often lead some of the songs; her favorite song was “Prayer Will Fix It Everytime.” Syl was also a big kid at heart; she loved watching cartoons (particularly Bugs Bunny), and playing Scrabble… and it was well documented that she was extremely aggressive whenever she played Monopoly. She also loved to travel, boogie on the dance floor, and spend time with her family. She even stated that her greatest claim to fame was having witnessed at least one of her grandchildren get married, and she was looking forward to being a great-grandmother.

On April 13, 2012, Syl left the troubles of this crazy ol’ world, and woke up to eternal life. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted husband of 67 years, Roger; two sons, Robert Louis and Bret George; two daughters, Catherine Suzette and Sandra Nicole (Quinn); two daughters-in-law, Tabatha Diane and Susan Ariel; one son-in-law, David Andrew Quinn; nine grandchildren, and a host of adopted nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Tomorrow’s Blog: A Message from the family of Sylvia E. Douglas

Celebrating Sylvia E. Douglas

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

Over the weekend, the Ms. Viv ‘Nim family bid a bittersweet farewell to a lovable soul, as Sylvia Esmeralda McKenzie Douglas, a devoted wife, loving mother, and a naturally charming lady, passed away at the age of 85 years old in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Friday, April 13, 2012.

“We had just come back home after our afternoon walk in the park,” recalls Roger Douglas, who was Sylvia’s husband of 67 years. “As soon as we walked in the door, Syl told me that she felt tired, and naturally I told her to rest. She said to me, ‘Are you sure?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I’m sure.’ And then, from out of the blue, she gave me a kiss and said, ‘I love you.’”

Roger went on to say that Sylvia went to their bedroom to take a nap, and never woke up. Only after realizing that his loving wife passed away did Roger realize what had actually transpired.

“Actually, she did wake up, but in Glory,” Roger said with a smile. “She was asking me if it was okay for her to go to Heaven, and I basically said yes. My one saving grace is that I know she’s in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. And to think that my last memory of her was our last kiss, and she told me that she loved me. I’m even happier that I reciprocated that same love to her before she left.”

Homegoing services for Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas are scheduled for Friday, April 20, 2012. Details will be forthcoming all this week.

Tomorrow's Blog: Sylvia E. Douglas, 1927-2012

My First Official Review!

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

I am happy to report that I received my first review and critique of my latest book, Life, Love, and Strawberry Seven-Up Cake. The critique came from one of my church members, who also happens to be on of my fans.

This past Sunday, March 18, 2012, immediately following church service, the fan walked up to me and said that he was blessed by Ms. Viv’s testimony. He admitted that while he wasn’t much of a reader, he couldn’t put the book down after reading Chapter One.

“Ms. Viv truly knows where her help comes from,” said my fellow church member. “She carried The Lord with her everywhere she went, and those whom she came in contact with were a witness to her light shining.”

After hearing my first review, I am convinced that my mission statement was met. My mission statement was to remind my readers of yesteryear. Ms. Viv represents that sweet, little old lady in the neighborhood who was adored by both children and adults. Whatever you needed, she gave from her heart, and if she didn’t have it, then she would do all she could to help you get your need met. She was a strong, Christian woman who not only took care of the children, but she knew relatively everything that went down in the neighborhood. She was also the type of woman who never flaunted her Christianity, yet everyone knew that she was a “certified, true-blue Christian.”

Words cannot express how excited I am over my first review. I am grateful to The Lord that Ms. Viv’s testimony reached one person, and I have total confidence that her story will reach many others.

By the way: My first official Ms. Viv book signing will take place sometime in May 2012. Stay tuned, as more details will follow.

Good News from Ms. Viv's Family

Happy Thursday, Ms. Viv 'Nim Fanatics!

Today's blog is short, sweet, and to the point: In approximately three months, Natasha Renee Stewart is graduating from Charlie LaBon High School on Friday, June 22, 2012.

Who is Natasha Renee Stewart, you ask? Well, Miss Natasha is the only child of Benjamin & Danielle Stewart, and the youngest grandchild of Vivian Jewel Jones. You can just imagine how excited Ms. Viv is, and who could blame her? After all, this is the last grandchild to not only graduate high school, but also attend college.

Miss Natasha plans on furthering her education and was accepted at three colleges: Fisk University, Clark Atlanta, and Rust College. Of the three, Natasha has decided to follow in her "Gramma Jewel's" footsteps and get the Bearcat Experience, where she plans on obtaining her B.A. degree in Business Administration.

Congratulations, Natasha! You go, Girl!

Ode To Whitney Houston

Happy Monday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

Today, I will break from the norm and pay tribute to one of the most talented singers of my day. She was no ordinary lady, but she was every woman. No, her name was not Susan—her name was Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

I’m still at a loss for words behind Whitney’s sudden passing, but I will say this: I have nothing but the utmost respect for LL Cool J. He showed true class when he opened up the Grammys with a prayer.  I appreicate LL for being bold enough to thank The Lord for blessing us with Whitney.

When the news of Whitney’s passing broke, it seemed apropos to ask “Why Does It Hurt So Bad?” After all, we didn’t know her personally, but we all welcomed her into our lives in some way, shape, form, or fashion. So now we ask the question: Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Well, Whitney gave us the answer in a song from The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack when she said: “Long as I live and troubles rise, I will hasten to His throne.”

No matter what Whitney sang, every man, woman, and child felt so emotional and felt the need to dance with somebody. And I can testify that it seemed like she was singing to me when she uttered those four words: I’m Your Baby Tonight!

It’s human nature to feel that Whitney left us too soon. We may even think to ourselves: It’s not right, but it’s okay, because overall, we must remind ourselves that The Lord Almighty sees all and knows all. He does not make mistakes, so hold on—help is on the way.

And to you, Whitney—thank you for the many songs that helped inspire my life. I will always love you.

A Message from the Future Mrs. Howard Douglas

Happy Thursday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanatics!

As promised, today’s blog features the recently engaged Jessica Dawn Torres. She’s here to talk about her upcoming wedding, as well as her true feelings about her future husband Howard Allen Douglas.

Hi, Everyone!

Let me start off by saying first of all: Oh my God—I’m getting married!

I’ll forever hold December 17, 2011 close to my heart. Howie and I were on our way to a Christmas party at his brother-in-law’s house… we had already heard the news that Howie’s sister Sarah was pregnant with twins, so it was more like a double celebration. Anyway, Howie picked me up and asked if I would help him with a quick run to the grocery store to get some apple cider. Upon leaving the grocery store, I noticed that Howie seemed a little flustered about something, and when I asked him if anything was wrong, he just shook his head and said that he was okay. And then, he dropped to one knee. I was under the assumption that he was about to fall, so I caught a hold of him quickly.

“Howie, are you okay?” I asked him.

“I’ll be alright,” he said nervously. “I just fell… in love… with you.”

Okay, I blushed a little when he said that, but I did not expect him to pull an engagement ring from out of his pocket and show it to me. One of the jewels in the ring was my birthstone. All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe, and tears just came cascading down my cheeks as Howie uttered those sweet seven words.

“Jessica Dawn Torres, will you marry me?”

I thought about the time that I was nine years old and I watched the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage ask Miss Elizabeth that question, and just like Miss Elizabeth, I looked at Howie and said, “Ooooooooh, Yeahhhhh!”

Howie placed that gorgeous engagement ring on my finger, and then he scooped me up and kissed me. For that very moment, we didn’t care that a mini-crowd had witnessed what had just come to pass. I clearly remember a big dude walking up to Howie and giving him a high-five. An elderly lady squeezed my arm and congratulated me.

Who would have ever thought that a meeting in a grocery store in April 2009 would result in a wedding coming up on Saturday, June 16, 2012? I certainly didn’t think so. I will say this: I am so excited to be Mrs. Howard Douglas… and it’s so apropos that my sister-in-law Sarah got married back in September. Oh, wow—I’m so excited!

An Update On Howie & Jessica

Happy Wednesday, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

So much has been going on that even I can’t keep up with everything. As you all know, Ms. Viv’s book Life, Love, & Strawberry Seven-Up Cake has just been published, and I have been so busy marketing and planning book signings that I haven’t had time to update my blog… that is, until this very moment.

We broke the news to you all on January 9, 2012 about Howard Allen Douglas and Jessica Dawn Torres. In case you missed it, these two are engaged to be married, and despite my busy schedule, the happy couple are planning to wed on June 16, 2012.

It all began in a grocery store in April 2009 when Howard and Jessica met. While waiting their respective turns in line, the two killed time by singing—of all things—a theme song from a professional wrestling show. One thing led to another, and they exchanged phone numbers that very day. Three days after that, they had their very first date, and here we are, planning a wedding.

We will have more on this story as it develops in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, stay tuned for tomorrow, as the blushing bride-to-be gives her thoughts and feelings about becoming Mrs. Howard Douglas.