To My Dear Family & Friends...
Early Monday morning, I hear a faint bell in the distance. It gradually became louder and clearer. As my curiosity got the better of me, I began to walk towards the sound. I wondered, “Is that the church bell or dinner bell?” When I reached the source of this beautiful sound, to my utter delight, it was the Joy Bells of Jesus calling me home. And Oh, when I saw my Jesus face to face, what a feeling of joy and peace that came over me!!! He ushered me in, with open arms saying, “Well Done, my GOOD AND FAITHFUL servant,” and I saw many familiar faces seated around the throne! My Mother, Papa, My Husband, my children (Ernestine, Roosevelt, Linda,Stonnie, Christine, Eugene, and Jerry), my sisters and brothers, & the list goes on! So, don’t weep too long or worry about me. I am just fine!! My Lord and King has prepared a glorious home for me...and for you, too! I will see you in the by and by. In the meantime, love ye one another…
Love you all,
Mother Myles
Life Reflections
“An excellent woman, one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous, who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.” (Proverbs 31:10)... This is the scripture that exemplified the character of Mrs. Annie Mae Frazier Blackwell Myles; a worthy woman of immeasurable love, compassion, and faith. Annie Mae Frazier Blackwell Myles was born September 3, 1928, to the late Mose Frazier and Virginia Nelson Patterson in Brunswick, TN. She was blessed to live 93 wonderful years. She departed from her earthly home at 2540 Pershing Avenue surrounded by loved ones, into her heavenly mansion on June 20, 2022. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at the age of twelve at Morning Grove Baptist Church in Cordova, TN, and was a dedicated disciple of Christ ever since. She later joined Peace Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend L.C. Jones. In 1982, she became a faithful member of Melrose M.B. Church under the leadership of her son-in-love, Pastor Albert Harwell, Sr. Although her formal education was limited, she was a hard and devoted worker at all of her places of employment. Professionally, she worked at Ridgeland and White Station Elementary Schools for many years before joining Cummins Diesel Recon, where she retired as a Machine Operator in 1989. Though she retired from her professional labor, her labor of love continued through her service as an affiliate of the Neighborhood Christian Center for over thirty years. This was in addition to her life-long service as a missionary and church mother at Melrose M.B. Church. Mother Myles was also a sister of the Order of The Eastern Star. Even from her very humble beginnings, she had always exhibited a genuine love and concern for the welfare of others through a ministry of service to God. These are not just words without deeds. One, among many, of the names for Mrs. Myles’ home is “kitchen for the
hungry” and “Myles Clothing Closet”. She would always reiterate the need to always show love and compassion for our brothers and sisters in the world. When one drives down Pershing Avenue on most Saturdays, there was a sign in front of her home that says, “Free Clothes and Shoes”. One need only to enter her front yard to find all types of suits, blouses, paints, skirts, shoes, socks, coats, hats, and scarves. She would always say, “Take what you need and to remember to help somebody else.” Not only did she give away articles of clothing, but she always had bread, potatoes, and many other items of food to give. She firmly lived her life to glorify the Lord as she positively impacted many people and was the recipient of numerous community service awards and recognitions. Through each seasons of her life, her prevailing theme was “If I can only help somebody, then my living will not be in vain.” Mother Myles truly loved being surrounded by her family, of whom she was very proud. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Earnest Blackwell and then later to Milton Myles, who both preceded her in death. She was blessed to birth twelve children, seven of which departed earth prior to her; Ernestine Blackwell, Roosevelt Blackwell, Linda B. Reddick, Stonnie Blackwell, Christine B. Wesson, Eugene Blackwell (Virginia), Jerry Blackwell (Rosie). Leaving five to cherish her memory, Annie Harwell (Albert Sr.), Ella B. Pitts, Carolyn Sellers, Carl Blackwell, and Brenda Banks. As well as seven children in love: Barbara Spence, Ernestine Carter, and Jeffery Cleaves…four of which preceded her in death, Ernest Blackwell (Cleaster), Hosea Blackwell, Luther Blackwell, and Gregory Cox (Arlene). She leaves a special grandson, whom she loved, and helped raised, Laricus Reddick. She also leaves a host of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Mother Myles had seven sisters: Willie Mae Nichols, Viola Batts, Bernice Chambers, Gladys Reed, Dorothy Graham, Catherine Patterson, and Luvenia Wells; and four brothers: Jasper Jones, Clevell Patterson, Freddie Patterson, and George Patterson, all preceded her in death. She is survived by one sister Beverly P. Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors, and friends from all over.
Family Tributes Mama, From our humble beginnings, you have loved, nurtured, and provided for us. Your tender touch, warm hands, wisdom, conversations, and laughter has brought us so much joy. To some, you were special, but to us, you were our Queen, our Rock, our Matriarch! We didn’t inherit riches or fine gold, but your love for each of us could never be bought with the highest price. Mama, you taught us the word of God, and how to love one another. We will cherish you and the legacy you left behind. Our hearts may be troubled right now because you are not physically present, but we are reminded of John 14:1 as you so eloquently taught us “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it was not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And wither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” For this reason, we will not be troubled, because we know we will see you again. We will always love our Mama! She’s our favorite girl!
~ Annie, Ella, Carolyn, Carl & Brenda ~ Ma, Words cannot express the confusion I feel in this moment. I’m sad because physically you’re not here. My rock, my best friend, my protector, my personal prayer warrior, my MOM! I remember how you used to always get me to tell you things by saying, “I can keep a secret! It’ll stay between me and you! I’m your best friend on this side of heaven,” and sure enough I’d spill all the tea to you. I’ve always felt like God kept close eyes on me because your prayers were availing much! Now you’re not here… but that’s ok because you brought me up in the Word and I learned how to pray and trust God for myself. On the other hand, I’m happy because I know that you’re in Heaven nudging God to keep tabs on me 24/7. I’m also happy because I know that you have your actual mansion now. I know you’re up there singing, shouting, and praising God for the victory. No more arthritis when it rains, no more sinus, no more hearing aids, no more walkers & canes. Your knees are NEW! Hallelujah! I’m imagining you walking those streets of gold smiling so hard that even Moses is jealous of your gold teeth. Ma, I know you’re up there cooking meals even for the angels. Everybody is getting a plate! I’m going to miss being able to call you and coming home to see you. I know for a fact you love me. There was never any doubt about that. And that’s the part that’s going to hurt the most. I love you Mama and you will forever be in my heart. ~
Laricus ~
From Your Legacies... You have been a living angel to us over the years of your amazing life. You traveled across the country to support and develop us – whether it was a graduation celebration, wedding, performance or basketball game. Now that God called you home, we imagine heaven is filled with your warmth, laughter, and loving spirit. We are left with loving memories of your presence, wondering: Are you dancing and running on the streets paved in gold, in your precious robe? Are you laughing with Big Momma and Papa? Humming “Amazing Grace”? Tending to your heavenly garden, preparing a fresh jar of Chow Chow for all of heaven? Bragging on all of your Grandchildren, Greats and Great-Great Grandchildren? Thank you for living a long full life that gave us a true model of joy, unconditional love, strength and wisdom. You have touched SO, SO, SO many lives and we are grateful and proud that God saw fit to make you OUR Mama, Grandma, Big Granny, and Nana. You modeled unconditional love by always putting our needs in front of your own. Every meal that we ate at your table was a true expression of your love. We still don’t know how you did it ALL, but we are forever grateful! Your love was effortless, your generosity was authentic, and your presence has left nothing but joy, admiration, and inspiration in our hearts. Thank you for greetings us every Birthday with your phone calls singing to us on our special days, and hot meals from your stove whenever we stopped by for a visit. Thank you for showing us the best examples of womanhood, stewardship, love, and commitment that anyone could hope for. And thank you for leaving an amazing legacy for us to follow. We now have an angel in heaven who will continue to guide us and keep us and the entire Blackwell family. We will forever carry forward your spirit of excellence, faith, encouragement, family, humor, and love! We love you forever!
~ Your Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, & Great-Great Grandchildren ~
Order of Service
Apostle Michael Nichols, Facilitator Procession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Mother Annie Myles Inspirational Singing by the Mother Annie Myles Celebration Choir Scripture Reading Old Testament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reverend Tavarus Wesson New Testament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Keith Turks Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reverend Garry Fair Celebration in Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Choir Proclamation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Leroy Davis Shelby County Sheriff Department
Expressions of Love (Three Minutes, please) Representative of Neighborhood Christian Center Mr. Anthony Lester, Cummins Diesel Recon “Big Dog”, Service Over Self (SOS) Mrs. Jill Blackwell-Young, Granddaughter Mrs. Arielle Brown, Great-Granddaughter
Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Choir Words of Encouragement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Leonard Dawson Cane Creek M.B. Church/Evangelistic Fellowship Hour Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Rickey Duggar Pastor of Norris M.B. Church President of Memphis Baptist Minster’s Association Acknowledgments & Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sister Trina Jones Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Kendra Jones, Granddaughter Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Albert Harwell, Sr. Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Mother Annie Myles
Acknowledgment
The family of Annie Mae Frazier Blackwell Myles would like to thank each of you for every act of kindness extended to us. We are so grateful for the heartfelt prayers, love, concern, and other expressions of sympathy shown during this time of sorrow. A special thank you to the Melrose M.B. Church family. You have indeed touched our hearts and made our spirits humble. We ask for your continued prayers and thoughts and may God bless you richly and keep you in His loving care.
Robert Ford Myron Jones
Active Pallbearers Major George, Jr. Reverend Tavarus Wesson
Albert Harwell, Jr. Robert Young
Honorary Pallbearers
Vincent Blackwell Courtney Bush Melvin Cannon Will Pitts, Jr. Laricus Reddick
Interment
Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery 5668 Poplar Avenue s Memphis, Tennessee 38119
Memorial Repast
Melrose Missionary Baptist Church Dining Hall
Arrangements Entrusted To Millington Funeral Home, Inc. 7738 Church Street s Millington, Tennessee 38053
Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.