Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.
Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.
Bette Midler's Wind Beneath My Wings
From a Friend, Soror, and Mentee
Cheryl made it her mission to make everyone, she came in contact with, a better person. I met Cheryl at Woodside High School. She took me under her wings and tried to teach me everything I needed to know about teaching, Hampton Roads (she gave up on this teaching), and parenting. Every other day we had a two hour lunch break and we toured Newport News. We went to Farm Fresh, Home Depot, Popeye's, Aunt Marie's, Fort Eustis, Captain D's, and anywhere else she wanted to go.
Then there were the lunch meetings. Potts, Chen, Cheryl, and me were all crammed in Chen's office eating and talking. Cheryl gave her opinion on every topic we discussed and didn't discuss. I can remember the "Apple Cake" meeting. I declined a piece the first time she brought it and Potts told me, "Your loss, more for me". The next "Apple Cake" meeting I took Cheryl up on her offer and oh my goodness. I was hooked.
We all miss her and this city has her all over it. She was a strong, smart, beautiful, and loving person. She adopted the loss and gave then hope, she opened her home to the bewildered and temporary refugees, and she did all this without complaining. She is my hero.
Lear Cook
From a Mentee
Ms. Clements was more than just a sponsor to Excellence Girl's Club; she was a mother, mentor, teacher and a friend to all of us. She was the type of person that you would talk to if you wanted someone to be completely honest with you, without making judgments. She always spoke her mind, never afraid of telling you the truth, no matter how it made you feel.
Ms. Clements could brighten up anyone's day, just by flashing that big smile that we all know and love. She would always know how to make you laugh,when you were feeling down. She was a very proud and strong black woman that was not ashamed of anything or anyone.
We all admire Ms. Clements for her courage. She fought so hard during her illness. But it was the Lord's will to call her home. We all miss her dearly, but we cannot be sad forever. She wouldn't want that at all. She would want us to remember the lasting impact that she had on our lives and keep her legacy going.We should not be sadden by the passing of Ms. Clements, but happy because we now have a guardian angel watching over us.
Jasmine Williams
Woodside High School 08
