How Do We Say Goodbye to our Angel, Dr. Maxine Mimms
March 4, 1928 - October 6, 2024
How do we say goodbye to an angel? Do we just say, “Goodbye, I will miss you?” This is insufficient for the one who has helped us reach the heights of our physical being.
We will speak of the many things she inspired and remember how she placed an imprint on our hearts But memory is selective, isn’t it? It has a lens with many filters.
Maybe write a memorial letter refreshing all the experiences, the accomplishments, or the almosts and the should-have-beens? These tributes she can no longer read and are no longer what matter.
It is difficult to say goodbye to our angel, who has seen the best in us when we did not see it in ourselves. This goodbye is to our angel in her spirit self and comes from our collective of who she intended us to be
Are we assured that she left with her mission fulfilled, that her journey was all she wanted it to be? This may be a fitting way to say goodbye to one we love.
Is the answer to this question unanswerable for the many who remain? If we seek and find the answer to this question in our being that is enjoined highest and best, then we will know YES, her mission is fulfilled.
So, how do you say goodbye to one such as her who chose to live among and for us? Accept, as she did, that we are a spir physical being, and then there will be no goodby
Simply smile and be grateful she walked with ea us who will miss her. Be thankful for the truth, wisdom, and humor she shared, and know this angel will continue to be with us throughout eternity.
Written October 14, 2024, in tribute to her professor, mentor and friend Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms by Dawn Mason Founder of Parents for Student Success. Seattle WA
PROGRAM
Doors open 10:30 AM
Ballaphone, Naby Camara, Lobby
Program starts 11:00 AM
Music by DJ Hitman, Craig King
Opening Prayer
Pastor Charlotte Beeler
Libation
Makeda Ebube
Permission Granted
Phenomenal Women
Genieva Arunga
You Raise Me Up
Josephine Howell & Chyee’ Howell
Paul Richardson, Piano | Chris Patin, Drums
Wind Beneath my Wings
Vania C Bynum - Dancer
accompanied by Josephine Howell & Band
Welcome
Twanda Hill & Elliot Jones
A Professor, A Mentor and A Friend
Dawn Mason
Proclamations
Inner City Blues
Benjamin Hunter, Violin
Our Evergreen
Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown, Sr Pastor, Plymouth Church
Video from late Dr. Maya Angelou produced by Dr. Joye Hardiman
Reflections
Thamiah Tutt, Maya Angelou Foundation
Her Story Video by Indigo Brown
Great is Thy Faithfulness
Josephine Howell & Chyee’ Howell
Paul Richardson, Piano | Chris Patin, Drums
A Tribute to Doc
Miz Floes
Family Thank You
Ted Mimms & Chantel Mimms
The Assignment
Twanda Hill
Finale ADEFUA
Closing Circle
Makeda Ebube
Bless Food lovingly prepared by Sankofa Catering
Lunch
Music by DJ Hitman
A Toast to the Queen
Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining me on this journey to celebrate Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms. Our friendship dates back to the days of Zion Prep in the 90s. Many saw Dr. Mimms as a mentor or elder, but to me, she was a cherished friend, a kindred spirit. This book began as a collaborative effort to honor her life and legacy even before her passing, and it reflects the spirit of community and partnership that she always championed.
Dr. Mimms encouraged all of us to be bold and fearless. She believed in the power of collaboration and using ideas to create a lasting impact. For 30 years, we worked side by side, along the I-5 corridor and uplifting the spirit of excellence wherever we went There are moments now when I feel an urge to call her, to share some news, and I realize how much I miss her. Through the love notes contributed by friends and admirers, we hope to keep her spirit vibrant and inspire others to carry forward her work
The Journey Book will be distributed at three special gatherings in Seattle: A Royal Reminder of the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa – November 9 Odunde Festival – November 16 (Tickets are still available) Sounds of the Sound – November 30 (Tickets are still available)
Everyone who attends these events or who supported this project will receive a copy. The Journey book will also be viewable at www.drmimmspresents.com. Proceeds from this project will help fund her Celebration of Life planned for March 8, 2025, at the Evergreen State College Tacoma Campus, as well as Live Streamed. Maxine left clear instructions for her celebration. Updates will be posted to the website after the 1st of the year.
To the people that visited, sent prayers, flowers and financial support, we thank you. I say, we because I worked with a remarkable team championed by Elizabeth Diffendal to sort through the noise and create the space deserving of a Queen for her final year. To Alasha Adams, Indigo Brown, Kelle Brown, Dawn Mason, Ardell and Sherri Shaw, Patricia Valentine, and Ophelia Taylor Walker— you are the Official Dream Team. My gratitude is boundless.
Lastly but most important, please remember to hold up her family: Ted, Tonie, Kenneth, Elyse, Chantel, Lovell, Jenesis and Lillia. Send a meal, a basket or a card. Let them feel the love and support our community has to offer You know how we feel, so continue to check in with them to honor Dr Maxine Buie Mimms’ legacy.
Peace and Blessings to all!
Dr. Tiffany M. Johnson, CPRP CEO/Founder
Rocket Solutions is a Women and Minority owned consulting company that provides exciting and engaging tools, hands-on activities, trainings, group facilitation, presentations, and workshops for public, private, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, we provide support for best practices and trends in the organizational leadership industry
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Tacoma'sONLYBlackCommunityTheatrepresents,
"A Hilltop Holiday!"
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Come and be inspired by your friends and neighbors as they share their talents with our Hilltop Community! "A Hilltop Holiday" is more than just a show it's a soulful celebration of redemption, the true spirit of the season filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness. Time travel with Hilltop Slumlord, Eb Scrooge on his journey from a grumpy miser to a joyful Hilltop community member guided by spirited visits of three unforgettable ghosts. We have a wonderful cast of Tacoma's best singers, dancers & actors for the most soulful spectacular winter holiday musical in Tacoma, " A HILLTOP HOLIDAY!"
GOLDENTICKETSSeniors60+andMilitary:$20
ADULTS20+:$25 | YOUNGADULTS:14-19:$10
CHILDREN: BabesinArms-13:$5
All attendees must have a ticket. - 13-
Who knew that day when you walked into my Home Boutique with your Royal Book Club Queens strutting behind you, and said to them: "This is where you should spend your money, so open your checkbooks."
Join us and celebrate us all year long!
ADEFUA 2025
January
‘TheLegacyofADEFUA’Testimonials ConductedbyBlackBoxDigitalFilms
February
TheLegacyofADEFUA CommunityLeadershouldregisterforinterviews.
March 8th
CelebratingtheLife&LegacyofDr.MaxineMimms
TheEvergreenStateCollege,Tacoma,Washington
March 22nd
RitesofPassage|It’sAGirlThangPotluckGathering
April 26th
RainierValleyCreativeDistrict TourofRainierValleyBusinesses
May 3rd
AfricanCulturalArtsCenter CommunityEventfeaturing‘BlackDanceIs...Sports’
June 28th-July 6
“AZAN(HaveFun)Afua’’ Carnival|8DayEasternCaribbeanBoatCruise St.Thomas,SanJuan, AmberCove/DominicanRepublic,andGrandTurk
August 9th
ADEFUA’SBBQ Drum&DanceinthePark
September 13th
MediaPartysupportingTheFilm,“TheLegacyofADEFUA”
October 1st
OdundeFestival2025Tickets Ticketsgoonsale!
Nov 15th
OdundeGala2025
TheFilmandPerformance“TheLegacyofADEFUA”
Location:LangstonHughesPerformingArtsInstitute
Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms
Educator and Mentor
March 4, 1928 – October 8, 2024
would like to thank our community sponsors for their support for the Let the Strings Speak Concert.
Dr. Maxine Mimms, Visionary
Twanda Hill, Event Producer
Dawn Mason Elder of Distinction
Twanda Hill Producer
Josephine Howell Musical Director
CelestineBerrysmith Vania C. Bynum
C.B. Bell, Photography
Dedra Barrow
Never regret a day in your life.
--Bro Wells, the original thug preacher
Good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience, worst days give you lessons, and best days give you memories.
PS
PAULASOLOMON
FROM PAULA SOLOMON & FAMILY
I owe who I am to Dr. Mimms. She was my inspiration and made me realize that the sky is the limit.
Thank you for your encouragement and for reminding me that I AM A GENIUS. She also gave me my nickname, with love!
Rest in Peace Dr. Mimms
Brother Emmanuel Ray Wells Sr. & Family
Annette Lewis Wells, Emmanuel Rays
Emmanu-Raynetta Wells
Brittney Rayonna Wells
Emmanuel Ray Wells, Jr.
“You’re going to make a genius and he’s going to change the world.”
Dr. Maxine Mimms, February, 1996
Multidimensional, like the vagus nerve you served every crucial function of our community Unapologetic genius is what you observed and commanded from us in no uncertain words! Education, elegance, and grace was always displayed no matter what we faced. --Lakema
Words from Little Maxine (Lakema)
I am honored and understand (innerstand) the assignment to be nicknamed little Maxine by you the HONORABLE, INDESCRIBABLE GODDESS Dr. Mimms. It will not and has not been lost on me. I will continue to Tell It Like It Is!
Thank you, Beautiful Empress Goddess Diva, for all you have poured into me and my family! We are forever grateful and blessed for eternity We will continue to carry forth the charge as our great ancestors continue to do, as you know we will do. Love you for eternity!
--Makeda
Food for Dr. Mimms Celebration of Life provided by
Sankofa Catering Chef Duril White sankofasoul1@gmail.com
The Friends of ADEFUA Présents…Odunde Festival ‘25
Nov. 14 | 6:00 pm Community Meet & Greet, ADEFUA REUNION
Meet and Greet Reunion $40 person. D.J. and snacks provided
Nov.15 | 4:00 pm ODUNDE FESTIVAL Gala
Dinner Fundraiser
Watch “The Legacy of ADEFUA” Documentary Film
Gala Dinner $150/$1200 Table of 1-8 persons per table
Nov. 16 | 12:00 pm Drum and Dance Workshops, African Market Place
A Day of Drumming, Dance, and Brunch Afterwards! $75 Tickets: Evenbrite | Online: www.adefuacenter.org Info@adefuacenter.org
(C)DawnMason,Photographer
John Vassall, MD is a clinical associate professor of medicine and former Associate Dean of Clinical Education for the Washington State University Elson S FLoyd College of Medicine. During the Covid-19 pandemic Dr. Vassall held more than 150 weekly open forums at the Black Collective giving information and taking questions from the community about the infection, and about other medical topics. He has been called the Black community's "Surgeon General." With the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, he is leading an effort to raise scholarship funds for Washington's Black medical students.
and wife Callie, a powerful community activist in her own right, express gratitude for the legacy of Dr. Maxine Mimms.
Dr. Mimms,
Words can never express our appreciation for the educational excellence you inspire in us. You helped both my son and I graduate and we are forever grateful.
Bryan Hill Jr & Dr. Bryan Hill (also pictured Xavier Hill)
ThankyouDr.MaxineMimms
Dr. Mimms you were instrumental in my being the person I am today. Your words of inspiration also motivated me to return to college and receive my 4 year degree.
Thank You Alma Gene Harris
MELANATEDQUEENSHOMAGE
Written by Winston Constable March 24, 2024 Read to Dr Mimms on Oct 7, 2024
Dear Black Women,
Your efforts in society should not and shall never go unnoticed Your efforts within the home and the community shall not go unnoticed Your efforts for being unapologetically yourself shall not go unnoticed! DO YOU HEAR ME BLACK WOMEN? YOUR EFFORTS SHALL NOT GO UNNOTICED!
Black women you are the forefront when it comes to resilience, toughness, nurturing, and passionate energy. Your beauty, confidence and elegance runs within you and you carry that in your essence That essence being the one to make the room stop and look at you when you walk in I know I notice it , when a sista walks in That confidence echoing throughout her being Black women you hit different! From the way you walk and talk and carry yourself despite the odds You don’t leave room for excuses You get stuff done with beauty and class and you’re not afraid to be bold when someone mistreats you while on your purpose. The black mother flame. That warmth comes with your undoubted protection and warm embrace of your children, along with all the children in your community. I see it! I see how black mothers look after your own and the children and I love it. I see when the fire becomes violent when someone messes with your people and children Rightfully so! That tenacity to protect makes me admire you to the highest degree
As a black man! As a Black man! I am always happy and proud to be able to protect, and honor my black women I want to do that and I urge all black men to take up this mindset. It should be the black man’s breath and control that keeps the Black women’s flame in compatibility with herself so she does not burnout due to the stress of it all And again! I take great pride and honor of being around strong black women It was my first Jack and Jill of America teen conference when I was 15 that I saw the abundance of beautiful black women. From that moment, I knew I wanted, I was going to support and I was going to marry a black women No argument there! It was growing up at my aunties house parties and watching my mom and her friends lead me and other young black men They showed us how to treat black women You see it was the ‘’Come have a plate baby ’’ from auntie or grandma that will make any tired person feel relieved It is how the Black women sounds when saying things There is meaning behind the vocal pitches and tones There is no fakeness amongst her people You know the Black women means business when she talks I know I won’t have to second guess anything
To powerful black women like my mother, Alma Lorraine Bone Constable, one of the toughest and most loving black women I know Dealing with the never ending pain of her illness and yet still being able to give me the fullest of love And sometimes it pains me because she has said to me, “she wished she could of given me a better life” Mama, you have given me a life I don’t regret one bit You have given me more than I asked My mom is so strong, and I mean so strong. Moving on to my grandmother, Faye Bone. The grandmother, mother superior as she goes by My grandmother is a Black woman that has a good balance of strong tenacity and nurturing love I always heavily appreciate the time I spend with her every Sunday for breakfast and us having deep discussions The love she shared with my grandfather, rest in peace, was a genuine love of two black people The way my grandmother describes love is how I want to and how I want to navigate my romantic relationship. Now from my perspective the Black women love is real authentic love. Black women will elevate their partner to new heights Aminah, a beautiful Black women and student leader of Umoja has done that for me. Just her natural essence and beauty is enough for me. Coupled with the fact that she elevates me, she makes me want to be a better man, she makes me more of a proud black man She is a proud Black women, unapologetically herself with a passion to achieve her goals despite the hardship the journey may put her through. And with me a strong Black man, I will support her through anything and that’s real talk.
To conclude, Black women are great; some are mothers, artist, owner of companies and businesses. For the Black women who set the standard: Gladys West, Harriet Tubman, Michelle Obama, Alma Lorraine Bone Constable, Faye Bone, Dr Marsha Arunga, Dr Maxime Mimms, Aminah Gradney, Desiree Simons, and the many more black women I can talk about, Thank you. And for now this speech is adjourned.
Strolling the Ribbons of Life
A poetic conversation to a matriarch; Lady Maxine,
Just a few words about the Cocoon Coat, I designed for you It took a moment for my creative juices to captivate the essence of you Throughout the community you are larger than life So as The Spirit guided the pencil across the paper… the gifts of my talent formed angles of movement, creating this sketch
A “Cocoon Coat” metamorphosing on paper as if, to fly right off the paper, on to you As I started to transfer from the paper to sample material……new visions of texture would whisper their place claiming their route in design on this special wearable work of art.
The ribbon design is “ your life”; the roads you have traveled, the beads are the people you encountered on your journey; teaching, opening institutions for our children at risk. Some roads ending…. others inspiring and empowering folks who stood next to you in an airport; or just smiled and said hello, walking down the street…..or sat with you, in far away lands, sharing cultural customs. And conversation with ancestors, who have traveled; yet sharing wisdom that is to be spoken again.
You have given so much, and this cocoon coat carries the message of your legacy…… please wear this “wearable art” because it is of YOU.
Elizabeth Morris, Panache206
ThisisYourMagicSchool ForDr.MaxineMimms By
ZhangEr
Thisisyourgarden OfTulip,Marigold,Rose ThornyRaspberries,TrailingBlackberries MexicanOrangeandChineseGingko
Allcolors,allshapes,allthriving
Thisisyourhouse
Withwindows,doorsandamazeof Corridors.Theyletinbrighter Light,opennewdomains Ontonotyetexpectedoutcomes.
Thisisyourgrandmirror
Whereweseeoursingularfacesandbodies Reflectedinyourbeauty,strengthandoureyes sparkyourwittygrace
ThisisyourEvergreen
Abranchwherechrysalisesquietlyhang Growanddream
Ofbutterflydreams
Thatonedaytheworldwillchange Becauseofourowntransformation
Thisisyourschool Ofsalmons,Coho,Pink,Chinookandsockeye Herewemeet
Herewepart Fromrivuletstotheseaand Promisetoreturn,tocarryon theblackpowerthathasnourishedus
Mayyoursoaringspirit
Blessthisplace! Blessthisplace! Blessthisplace!
Thankyou,Dr.Mimms
We will continue your legacy of elegance and love of Opera!
Your Forever Bridges Family
Thankyou,Dr.Mimmsforyour guidanceandfriendship.
Managing
Broker
Over 20 years of award winning real estate service.
So long dear friend! I cherished the many times Twanda, Ben, Dot and I spent with you.
Rest in Paradise Greg
Love yourself so deeply and so thoroughly that there’s room only for full acceptance of others.
-Dr. Mimms, from one of our Mentor/Mentee sessions
Grand Rising, Winona Hollins Hauge, MSW Dj-host for 20 years for the Gospel Highway and Living the Blues on www.kbcs.fm or 91.3 FM "Remembers and Salutes the Queen of Education and Excellence, Dr Maxine Mimms. Winona's mom knew Dr Mimms and her dear friend Ora Franklin, Winona's teacher at Leschi Elementary School. Remembering he r fondly and celebrating that our loss is heaven's gain.As songwriter Rhiannon GIddens, sings on my show dedicated to Dr Mimms, the song of the hour: Calling me Home by Francesco Turris.
Love Little Sistermentee WINONA
Ayers & Dr. Joye Hardiman
Soulma
A Tribute to Maxine
As my dear friend Dr. Mimms has departed, I dedicate this poem to her and imagine the conversation that would follow into the early morning as we sipped on Jack & Ginger. This poem is often attributed to Maya Angelou but Pamela R Satran, novelist, is the original author.
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
...one old love she can imagine going back to... and one who come...
...enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never want to or needs to...
....something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
...a youth she's content to leave behind...
...a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age...
...a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
...one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
...a good piece of furniture no one else in her family owned...
...eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored…
....a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
..how to fall in love without losing herself
...how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...
...when to try harder... and when to walk away...
...that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents...
...that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...
...what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
...how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
...whom she can trust, whom she can't, and wh
....where to go... be it to her best friend's kitche when her soul needs soothing...
...what she can and can't accomplish in a day...a
But if nothing else... know that you are truly lo thought of my friend.
THANK THANK THANK YOU YOU YOU
shoulders
RAY ANDERSON
ASANTEWA ANTOBAM*
CELESTINE BERRYSMITH
BLACK STARLINE
INDIGO BROWN
Llyn De Danaan
KRISTINA CLARK
ANGELINA & DAN BUNDY
JEFFERSON BUTLER
ALIYAH & BRANDON BENJAMIN BYNUM
Vania & Brandon Bynum
BRENDA CHARLES EDWARDS
PAT CLEARY
ALMA LORRAINE & BRIAN CONSTABLE*
JAN CORRISTON*
ELIZABETH DIFFENDAL
Llyn De Danaan
STEVEN DIFFENDAL (In Memoriam)
Elizabeth Diffendal
CAROLYN DOBBS
Oscar & Barbara Soule Russell Fox
NONI ERVIN
YVONNE ERVIN-CARR
DARYA FUNCHES
MICHAEL GREER*
TWANDA HILL
Callie Vassall*
XAVIER & NOAH HILL
LOVE GIGI*
JOSEPHINE HOWELL
CONSTANCE HUTCHINSON
EDENAU GIBSON*
MICHAEL GILLSESPIE*
JAN KIDO
CHANTEL MIMMS
ELYSE MIMMS
LOVELL MIMMS Grandma
MAXINE MIMMS
Suzanne Mitchell
Kimberly Mustafa Ben & Dorothy Woods*
KIBIBI MONIE
CAROL PEOPLES PROCTER
ANNE & JEROME POLITE
MARLENE ROWLETTE
CHARLOTTE M. RUFF
ABIMBOLAH SMITH*
CHARLES SMITH*
BROOKLY SIMS
Simone Delaney*
DAVID SMITH
LINDA SMITH
ROSALIE SMITH (IN MEMORIAM)
Mafori Moore*
DANYALE THOMAS
Patricia Valentine*
OPHELIA TAYLOR WALKER
TEROSHUA THOMAS
DR. MAYA ANGELOU FOUNDATION
THAMIAH L TUTT
JAMES & DONIA LENA WALDEN (In Memoriam) Rev Harriet Walden
KATHLEEN WILCOX*
MADELYN P WASHINGTON
DELBERT & KIMBERLY RICHARDSON
*Denotes multi year supporter. Lower case names are the sponsors and some people sponsored the same person
Vania C. Bynum & Twanda Hill would like to capture the oral history around the life of Dr. Mimms. Please sign up and we will contact you to schedule a recording time. www.drmimmspresents.com
~ To share is to survive forever, thank you for sharing ~
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Sister’sGetReal@HIV:USA RemarkableYou,Va,andNC CIAA
WomenattheWell;Charlotte,NC
Atirtec;FoundingElder,CovidMultigenerational
Thanks for being our "Elegant" friend!
