After many years devoted to shaping the next generation students in the classroom and those of musical endeavors, Mamie was deeply honored to be recognized as teacher of the year and one of Houston’s legendary musicians. These recognitions were humbling validations that such dedication, and artistic passion in helping people, can go hand-in-hand. There’s history to her passion for music. She enjoyed playing piano of different genres of music and as a versatile artist, thrived in crossing borders between artistic disciplines, blending her innate drawing talents with a wide range, genre-bending musical style. She taught and developed music students with her teaching philosophy centered on adaptability, implementing techniques from diverse musical traditions of different genres, and ‘riding the wave of enthusiasm’ to keep them engaged in their preferred style. Taking pride in being a versatile/eclectic teacher, helping students explore their musical interests and building good foundational skills was a definite part of what she was, and still is, about. Realizing, early on, the core purpose of her being was, and still is, service. She is still teaching piano!!! Her greatest calling in life is to help people. Her life’s journey has shown us that her true north is found in selfless service and making a positive impact while helping others in many ways!

After getting married, Mamie underwent a profound transformation when she became a caregiver.  With the support of her husband, grandson, and other siblings, she quickly realized that she was not prepared for the unexpected demands of this role. This change affected her family as well, prompting a quest for balance, peace, joy, and a purpose-driven existence amid new challenges. Aligning core values with God’s will became vital. The role of care was reversed as Mamie, who was once a child and now an adult, was now taking care of her parents.  Despite these changes, for Mamie, life remained abundant and beautiful. Maintaining faith, staying resilient, and praying for perseverance became central to her caregiving journey.  Faith, resilience, and prayer helped while caring for parents for three and a half years before their passing, then three years later, caring for her sister for a year before she passed. Four years later, her husband’s health started declining unexpectantly and aggressively.  A caregiver again, strengthened by unstoppable love and experience. Though the journey was exhausting and at times lonely, it taught her perseverance and personal growth.  Through adversity and experiences, she discovered that these hardships didn’t break her down…they grew her.  She found beauty in the struggle.  By sharing these experiences, and the beauty in life’s reflecting on both extraordinary and ordinary moments, she desires to inspire others to seek meaning beyond imperfections and adopt an unstoppable, intentional approach to living. Caregiving is multi-faceted but reminds you that you are not alone.  Her book can be your companion on navigating through your caregiving journey.

She invites you to join her as she shares stories of surviving and thriving with an indomitable spirit, as written in her book, “The Audacity of Caring”