Captain Viola "Pinky" Brown Sanders

Jay called me Sunday morning, and told me that he just spoke to my Aunt Penny.  Immediately, I knew the news wasn't going to be good, and my mind went to Pinky.  Just the night before, Muffin and I stayed up and made a big batch of fudge for her because I had heard that she wasn't doing well.  She has had several health issues the past couple of years, but her appetite has always been great.  So, I thought the fudge would perk her up.

I was so sad to hear she had passed away despite being somewhat prepared for it.  To say Pinky was a huge influence and presence in all our lives is an understatement.  She grew up in Sidon, MS, and spent much of her life trying to live up to her brother (my grandfather, Stanny Sanders) who she loved more than anything.  And that drive took her many places.  To teaching, to the Navy, to the CIA, to Japan.  And then finally at 45 she retired and came back home to help take care of her mother, Monie.  She never was married, so all 3 of her nieces and 7 grand-nieces became her immediate family.  She always loved saying she was just a small girl from Sidon, MS, and I think she was proud of that because it meant that no matter where you came from you could achieve big things.

I could write story upon story about her.  She and I swapped letters through college and up until about 5 years ago, and they were always filled with love and advice.  In my on little world, I have always used her words and life as a compass.  I promise more thoughts on her in the next few weeks...but for now.

In the words of Monie AND Pinky.  "Be Somebody.  Do Something.  Make a Difference."