Home Programs & Services Women in Higher Education

My Mother, My Continuing Inspiration

My mother, Etta Bianca Booth, has inspired her children and her grandchildren with her love of learning, her work ethic, her belief in the goodness of people, and her optimism. The years of being mother to three nephews, her own seven children, and three grandchildren in the piney woods of Mississippi never seemed to try her patience. While my father, Lemuel Booth, Sr., worked at various jobs across the state, my mother took care of the children, the home and the farm. She would begin her days very early in the morning and with the exception of perhaps a break for dinner (our noontime meal), she toiled the day long at a pace that rivaled a distance runner.

When complimented on the successes of her children, Mother Dear always responds that the years of picking cucumbers and other farm produce taught lessons about the value of education that she could not teach. But, she encouraged us daily. The nephews joined the armed forces; her children and grandchildren went to college—some also served in the armed forces.

As we were growing up, she was our teacher, advisor and mentor. On a typical summer day, she would work alongside—more ahead of us—doing the work needed to keep the farm going, but during pauses for lunch or in the evening, she was transformed into teacher. One would find her either teaching a young one to read, or an older one public speaking or poetry recitation. I can still recite at least a few of the poems—"Thanatopsis," "To a Waterfowl," "The Creation." She wrote many speeches for us to deliver and taught us songs to sing for whatever upcoming occasion. She truly practiced her belief that an idle mind is the devil's workshop, so we were never without a "little job" to do. There was a lot in Mississippi to overcome; she advised and mentored us to ensure that we were prepared. This wonderful, beautiful, articulate woman did not have the opportunity to complete more than a few weeks of college. However, the teaching she provided us and children at Hopewell School where she was recruited to improve reading skills, was evidence that she had received the noble calling.

Last October, Etta Bianca Booth celebrated 93+ years of living. She is grandmother to 21 grandchildren and at last count, 13 great grandchildren. She still reads, sings and enjoys life even when memory requires repeats. She continues to hand out words of wisdom most of which follows one's response to her question: "how's your health?"

—By Marie Foster Gnage
   President, West Virginia University at Parkersburg