Ms. Eddie Mae Robertson

Eddie Mae Robertson was the matriarch of five generations. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, bonafide church mother, compassionate friend, stern role model, creative trendsetter, woman of her word, independent innovator, hero, and trailblazing community activist for change for over five decades. Born Etta Mae Swoope, on January 6, 1938, she was the second daughter of three children born to the union of Luevenia and Isaac in Burdette;-Arkansas. Mae loved the Lord and accepted Christ as her Savior early in life. She was educated in the church, public school system, and the streets of life. They were sharecroppers and the days were long. It was a difficult time in history for African American families in the south. Jim Crow laws kept them in an inferior position in relation to other groups and they were denied basic human and political rights. There were more jobs available in the North, and though racism was rampant, racial segregation was not mandated there. Her family decided to leave Arkansas and journeyed to the Midwest during the 2nd Great Migration, seeking economic and social opportunity. They settled in Detroit, Michigan and later moved to Benton Harbor, Michigan where she met and married James Robertson. During her 85 years on this side of glory, Mae was the mother of twelve children. She was devoted to her family and ensured her children knew the Lord. Mae strived to make life better for her family and the community at large. Our mother was a change agent. She was an inaugural member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked with other African American Associations including the NAACP Welfare Warriors, People's Committee for Survival, and Project Respect. In 1963, she participated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. As an activist for an end to segregation, economic justice, and voting rights, Mae was unafraid to take part in protests, boycotts, and sit-ins. She was committed and determined to make political and social changes happen. Mae and her children relocated to Wisconsin in 1970. She worked multiple jobs to provide for her family. She was very fond of gardening which supported her belief in using natural remedies for healing. She enjoyed baking sweets, interior decorating, reading, and shopping for bargains. In 1971, Mae was a victim of police brutality. In the face of fatal travesty, she chose fruitful triumph. This event pushed her to work harder for the causes she believed in, and she became a hero of her community. Mae was fearless, brave, independent. and assertive. She was always transparent. and you were never in doubt of where you stood with her. She taught her children to be respectful above all else and to take accountability for their actions. She held herself and others to a very high standard and was the queen of etiquette and manners. As her great-granddaughter said, she was "preparing them to enter rooms they never knew they would be in." She was an innovator who took initiative to do things that others wouldn't dream of doing. She was ahead of her time in so many ways! Mae was blessed to live a full life . On Tuesday, November 28,2023, she transitioned to eternal life leaving quite a legacy. She will be greatly missed but her family, the community, and the world continue to flourish because of the fruits of her labor. Mae was preceded in death by her: parents, Luevenia and Isaac Swoope; two siblings, Rosie Bell Jones (Joe) and Fred Swoope; daughter, Katherine Walker; three sons, Robert Dwayne Walker, Louis Lauderdale Jr.. and Kiven Lauderdale; and two grandsons, David Edward Franklin and Earthley Anthony Grant Jr. Mae leaves to cherish her memory: 7 daughters, Linda Lauderdale, Gloria Grant. Luevenia Clark, Patricia Williams, Lisa (Jesse) Marshall, Shiela (Clinton) Abner, and Karibu Robertson; 28 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. PROVERBS 31 :28 Her children arise and call her blessed. PROVERBS 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Rest in peace, Mama. I will see you when I make it there. I love you. - Mrs. G.G.

Ms. Eddie Mae Robertson

January 6, 1938 - November 28, 2023