The Most Influential Woman In My Life

Hi, Everyone!

So, check this out: For my Composition class, I have to write a five-page essay about an influential woman, and it’s due on Friday. It must be 12-point font and double-spaced So far, I have written a page and a half. Just take a listen to this:

Unquestionably, First Lady Michelle Obama is my inspiration because she exudes confidence and style. However, the most inspirational women in my life just so happens to be in my family. I could just as easily have chosen my mother, my grandmother, or any one of my aunts, but instead I chose to write about the backbone of my family—a remarkable and inspirational woman in my life: my great-grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman (nee Brown).

Born an only child to Horace and Bernice Brown on April 1, 1906 in Ruleville, Mississippi, Lynn grew up in a strong Christian household. Her mother and father adhered to the instructions of Proverbs 22:6, and Lynn did her absolute best to stick to the teachings of The Lord. Always wanting to make others laugh, Lynn would often joke about her birthday, saying: “It’s ironic that I—smart, educated woman—would be born on a day designed for fools.”

Lynn grew up in an era where women took care of the household, the cooking, and the children. However, with women like Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Fannie Lou Hamer breaking barriers, Lynn was considered a pioneer in her neighborhood. She was the first in her family to attend and graduate from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. During her time at Rust, she met Gregory Otis Coleman. The two were married just one month before Lynn graduated from “Bearcat Country.” After graduation and getting married, Lynn sought out for work, and found it in the form of a maid. She worked long, arduous hours, but yet and still The Lord continued to bless her and her family.

Lynn and her husband Gregory were respected figures at the Solid Rock Methodist Church, under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Jeffrey Hunter.

Special thanks to my family for providing me with my family’s history… and what a rich history it is. I am very certain that this essay will reach the full five pages, but my main concern is making sure that my essay makes sense.

And Gramma Jewel, don’t you worry—I’ll write about you next time.

Speaking of next time, I’ll see you all later.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha