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It could be your mother, a friend or a teacher. Have they expressed themselves artistically? Worked to better their community? Achieved academic success? Empowered others and embraced diversity? Share their stories here.
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Jonna Mayberry

My grandmother Marian was a wonder. Born in 1928, she overcame great obstacles throughout her life. She helped raise her siblings until graduation, playing a huge role as a caregiver in her family during the Great Depression and beyond. She went to college to study math and science, often the only woman in her classes. Later, after marrying my grandfather (a pastor), she traveled across the U.S. and taught in numerous schools — from Native American reservations to small-town Indiana towns. In her “free time,” she raised four children and gave back to those around her whenever she could. I lost my grandmother eight years ago, but I’ll never forget her endless strength against all odds, her ability to drop everything to help those around her, her musical talent, and her irreplaceable, deadpan sense of humor. I will always be thankful to my grandma for showing me strength, and continually reminding me to not take life too seriously.

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