Celebrating the Legacy of St. Louis Very Own Maya Angelou

Earl Childress • May 20, 2025

The Enduring Legacy of Maya Angelou | April 4, 1928 - May 28, 2014

Maya Angelou was more than a poet. She was a voice for the voiceless, a flame that burned through injustice, and a soul that danced with wisdom and grace. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou turned the trauma and triumphs of her life into art that continues to shape generations. Her story isn’t just one of personal transformation—it’s a blueprint for how to turn pain into power.


At a time when Black voices were often silenced, Maya sang. Sometimes quietly, sometimes with thunder. Her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, shattered literary norms in 1969, revealing the raw truth of racism, sexual trauma, and resilience from a young Black girl’s perspective. It wasn't just a book—it was a revolution bound in paper.


Angelou didn’t stop at storytelling. She danced in Africa, acted on Broadway, marched with Dr. King, and recited poetry at President Clinton’s inauguration. She didn’t just live life—she performed it. Every word she spoke carried the weight of history and the spark of tomorrow.


But what made Maya Angelou unforgettable wasn’t just her accolades. It was her unwavering belief in the human spirit. Her words didn’t just move people—they lifted them. She reminded us that we are more than our wounds. That “we may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” That no matter where we start, we can still rise.


In a world that’s still grappling with injustice, her legacy calls us to act. To write boldly. To love fiercely. To speak truth, even when our voice trembles.


If Maya taught us anything, it's that our stories matter. That the rhythm of our lives, no matter how broken, can be made into a song. And that through courage, compassion, and creativity, we too can leave a legacy that echoes.

So write your truth. Speak up. Stand tall.


Because Maya walked so we could soar.


Still we rise!

By Caleb Childress July 11, 2025
Planning Ahead Isn’t Morbid — It’s a Kindness A Gentle Reminder That Funeral Pre-Planning Is One of the Greatest Gifts You Can Leave Behind The words “funeral planning” don’t exactly bring comfort. For most people, the thought feels distant, somber, maybe even a little frightening. Why think about something so heavy while you're still very much alive? But what if we reframe the way we look at it? What if funeral planning isn't about death at all—but about love? When Loss Comes, Grief Shouldn’t Be Buried in Decisions Ask anyone who’s had to make funeral arrangements while grieving, and they’ll tell you: it’s overwhelming. You’re heartbroken, disoriented, trying to keep it together—and at the same time, you're making decisions about caskets, music, flowers, photos, obituary wording, and more. In the middle of all that pain, most families are left asking: “Would they have wanted cremation or burial?” “Should this be a traditional service, or something more personal?” “What would they want us to say about them?” And often, the truth is: they don’t know. That uncertainty can create stress, tension, and even guilt—during a time when what’s needed most is peace. Pre-Planning = A Quiet Act of Love Taking time to plan your own funeral—whether in full detail or just outlining a few wishes—isn’t morbid. It’s a gesture of love. It says: “I want to make this easier on you.” “I want you to be able to grieve, not worry.” “I want you to remember me, not second-guess my wishes.” When the time comes, your family won’t be scrambling to figure out what you would have wanted. They’ll know. And that knowledge is one of the greatest comforts they can receive. What Pre-Planning Actually Looks Like You don’t have to plan everything at once. And you certainly don’t need to do it all alone. Pre-planning can be as simple as writing down your preferences and keeping them in a safe place, or meeting with a funeral director to make arrangements in advance. Here are a few things people often choose to include: Burial or cremation preferences Type of service (religious, spiritual, casual, military, etc.) Music, readings, or people they’d like to speak Clothing or keepsakes to include Specific instructions for what not to do Pre-payment (if desired), to ease financial strain Even planning just a few of these details can offer tremendous peace of mind—not only for your loved ones, but for yourself. You’re Still Living—So Why Talk About Death? Because planning ahead doesn’t take anything away from life. In fact, many people find that once they make these decisions, they feel lighter. More free to focus on living, knowing that one day, the people they love most will have one less thing to worry about. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to take the first step. Pre-planning your funeral isn’t about being morbid. It’s about being kind. It’s a way to care for your family beyond your lifetime—to leave them not just with memories, but with clarity, confidence, and the peace of knowing they honored you exactly the way you wanted. we’re here to help make that process simple, thoughtful, and personalized to you. Whether you’re ready to sit down and make a plan, or just want to learn more about your options, we’re here to listen—no pressure, no rush.  Because love doesn’t end when life does. And planning ahead is just one more way to say: “I love you. I’ve got this.”
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