I met Dr. Baugh in my early 20s, while working my first job after undergrad at Hope Christian Church. Dr. Baugh was a woman of immense wisdom, with beauty inside and out. She had a profound impact on my life and I will forever cherish the lessons she taught me. 

The first thing Dr. Baugh taught me was how to deal with offense. After confiding in Dr. Baugh about several instances where I felt mistreated by someone, she instructed me to call that person's name out in prayer every day and pray for God to bless them, and entrust them into the Lord's hands. She told me that at first my heart wouldn't be in it, but that was okay. I should pray for them anyway and overtime the Lord would give me His compassion for them. Dr.  Baugh was absolutely right (because God's Word is true!). Her words of wisdom kept me from harboring unforgiveness and offense, and I have applied this lesson in countless situations since then. 

Dr. Baugh also taught me about stewardship. She helped me and my husband find our first apartment (a 1 bedroom apartment in her condo building in Greenbelt :). After we moved in, she told me that if I would be a good steward of the apartment, taking care of it and maximizing its potential, before I knew it the Lord would bless me with something else. Again, Dr. Baugh was right! 

I think about Dr. Baugh and these two lessons on offense and stewardship often. I am forever grateful that the Lord allowed me to meet and learn from her. 

My deepest condolences and sympathies to Dr. Baugh's family and friends. Dr. Baugh was one of one! 

I met Lauretta later in life, a beautiful reminder that true friendship can bloom at any age. A mutual friend in Boston connected us when my daughter accepted a job in Chicago and  needed guidance We connected again as writers, mental health professionals, and youth & family advocates shortly after she moved to MD. Most importantly, our bond was rooted in our shared love for God. One of the first things we did in MD was visit Annapolis and attend each other’s church services. 

I delayed writing this entry because it feels too final. But today is Good Friday, a day when we often tried  to attend a “Seven Last Words” service somewhere. So it feels right to honor her now. 

I can’t say goodbye. This is only a pause. And in the sweet by-and-by, we will see each other again. Rest well from your many labors, my friend, and a life well lived on purpose. 

Honoring My Friend, Lauretta

I met Lauretta later in life, a beautiful reminder that true friendship can bloom at any age. We were first connected through a mutual friend in Boston when my daughter moved to Chicago and needed guidance. Years later, when Lauretta relocated to Maryland, that simple connection grew into a real and cherished friendship.

Our bond was rooted in our mutual work as writers, mental health professionals, youth & family advocates, but above all, in our shared love for God. One of the first things we did together in Maryland was attend each other’s church services. The photo is from a church event shortly after she arrived.

I delayed writing this entry because it felt too final. But today is Good Friday, a day when she and I would sometimes try to attend a “Seven Last Words” service. So, it feels right to honor her now.

I can’t say goodbye. This is only a pause. And in the sweet by-and-by, we will see each other again.

Rest now, my dear friend, from your hard and fruitful labors and a life well-lived on purpose.

You know how when someone means so much to you that nothing you can think of to say about them seems adequate? Words can't describe. But then Lauretta didn't just Love with words, she Loved me and many people with all of her great big beautiful Heart. She could make you feel hugged with just a look from her eyes. And she gave wonderful real hugs, as well.

Lauretta became my bonus Mom when I was a young boy and remains so today. She and my mom, Carolyn became fast and life long friends when they first met at Norfolk State. Listening to the two of them sing was one of the most beautiful things life ever offered. Together with her four children, my two sisters and me, we became one strong and supportive family. A bond, a Love that both ladies would be proud to see continues to live on.

💖

Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of our mother's/grandmother's dear friend.  Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

With love, Emma Wilson and Family

Lauretta encouraged me I to embrace who I am in God's family and fully trust in the Word of God. She was a lovely lady and friend.  She shared scripture with me several years ago,  that I cherish and  would like to share with others: 

Mark 11: 23-24 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 

My deepest condolences to the family. You have been blessed with a wonderful, loving, gentle and caring woman of God. May your memories of her life and God's comfort bring you peace.