What’s the most important lesson you learned in life? The most important lessons I’ve learned in life is to treat others the way you want to be treated.

 

What’s your favorite memory from your childhood? Being in charge of my younger siblings while my parents were away in town on weekends.

 

How has the world changed the most during your lifetime? It has changed tremendously. Segregation has to be the biggest change I’ve seen, but we still have some work to do. When I worked, I only got paid $2.92, and now salaries are much more realistic.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their life journey? Live your life to the fullest and always acknowledge the Lord in all that you do.

I’m most grateful for my children and grandchildren.

 

The Old Beale Street, WC Handy Theater, The Curb Market, Mall Stand, Western Auto, Sears Roebuck and Company,  Main Street, where the Planters Peanut Shop was, Goldsmith’s, Shainbergs, Lowensteins, and Kress.

 

What is/was your favorite Memphis restaurant? There were no favorite restaurants, because we weren’t allowed to go in and dine. But now, my favorite restaurant is Olive Garden.

 

How did your family celebrate holidays or special occasions in Memphis? My family comes to my house to celebrate every holiday.

What is your favorite Memphis memory? My favorite Memphis Memory was going to the Cotton Markers Jubilee

 

I married the young man who walked me to school every morning, Mr. Sylvester Woodley(World War II Veteran). He passed away on October 11, 2014, and I’ve been a widow for 12 years now. I’m the oldest of twelve, and family is always first. I retired as the building engineer at Ildewild Elementary School on July 1, 1987, after 30 years of service. I’ve always been a hard, honest worker, and because of that, I became financially stable. I instilled those same values in my children and grandchildren. I had nine children. Five boys and four girls. I have 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.