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Minnie Alexander Obituary

By David Perlmutt
[email protected]
Posted: Thursday, Jun. 10, 2010

For a woman raised in Detroit, Minnie Raynes Alexander sure could cook Southern.

As in the best fried chicken you'd ever bitten into, her fans and family say.

Or silver-dollar-sized biscuits like your grandma baked.

And if there were ever a macaroni-and-cheese Olympics, she'd surely take home the gold.

Armentia "Minnie" Raynes Alexander was a chef for the Harper's Restaurant Group, working her culinary magic and glowing smile in the kitchens of most of the company's establishments, including two - the now-closed Blue Ribbon BBQ and Harper's Grill - in what used to be called the Interstate building near The Square uptown.

Last week, she was killed two blocks from work when her car collided with two trees on Sharon Road near SouthPark mall. Her family says she must have fallen asleep, or passed out, but otherwise have little information about what caused the one-car accident.

She was 48, survived by her husband, Joe Joe, six children and 11 grandchildren on whom she doted. A 12th grandchild was on the way.

She also left behind a legion of grieving food fans.

"My mother showed her love for people through her cooking," said daughter RoseAnn Barrera, an oncology research nurse at Presbyterian Hospital. "Every time she came to my house, she brought food. If you went to her house, she always had lots of food to eat.

"If she knew a friend was sick, she'd take her food."

Cooking for friends

Apparently, she loved a lot of people - she was constantly cooking for them.

Her family doesn't know where she learned to cook so well or how she took to Southern fare like she'd grown up eating it.

After high school in Detroit, she joined the Army, serving in Germany but never as a cook.

It wasn't until she moved to Charlotte after her discharge in 1985 that she became a serious chef, her daughter said.

She began as a prep cook at a Harper's on Woodlawn Road in 1991, left for a few years, then returned to work her way up to chef, said Tom Sasser, president of Harper's Restaurant Group.

She was mostly self-taught, learning on the job. She quickly showed a flair for figuring out recipes and making customers feel welcome, often making appearances in the dining room to trade fresh stories about her grandchildren.

She was always free to give cooking advice. Maybe it was the smile, but she had a way of connecting.

"Minnie knew how to make comfort food to where it meant something," Sasser said. "It almost had a personality. ... The way she cooked food evoked memories of my childhood, as I'm sure it did for many of our customers."

It did for Phyllis Farr, a property administrator for Spectrum Properties, the company that manages 121 West Trade, the former Interstate building. Alexander was chef for the two restaurants on the ground floor. She never fried up okra without calling Farr to let her know when it would be ready.

"If you were going to write a song about Minnie, it would have to be called 'Minnie Put the Soul in Soul Food,'" Farr said. "She put her heart and soul, as well as her culinary expertise, into her food. ... She was always willing to do whatever it took to nourish and nurture everyone."

If ever Spectrum's Pat Wynne needed food for a meeting with a new tenant, she'd run downstairs to Minnie.

"She was always willing to accommodate," Wynne said. "The tenants loved her - she treated them like family. Her death is a real loss to a lot of people. She touched so many lives."

Food and family

Alexander and her husband, Joe Joe, met at Harper's uptown Mimosa Grill 13 years ago. They were married for seven years and were building a catering business when she was killed.

Their lives were built around food and family.

"Her greatest joy was having the whole family at the house and cooking for them," Joe Joe said. "She loved watching people eat her food.

"I don't know where she learned to fry chicken. Whoever taught her, I'm thankful."

Daughter RoseAnn is pregnant with Minnie's 12th grandchild.

It's a girl. She'll be named for her grandmother.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jun. 10, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Minnie Alexander

Not sure what to say?





39 Entries

Valenda Newell

March 1, 2017

Just looking back at all the nice things that was said about my sister. I am so happy that she touch so many hearts. Its been 4 years since her passing and it seem like yesterday. Gone but never forgotten.

Shelia Merrieweather

July 29, 2014

I worked with Minnie in the late 90's at the Harper's on Woodlawn. She was the most caring and loving soul. She will be missed. Our prayers are with your family.

David P

October 29, 2010

Minnie was an angel on earth. My condolences go to all of her family whom she talked about often and whom she loved dearly. I would eat at Harper's To Go Go and the Blue Ribbon BBQ after it opened just to be able to catch up with Minnie. Even if I didn't have time to stop to eat, Minnie would knock on the storefront window and wave as I passed by on the sidewalk. She could tell a story that would make me laugh from the bottom of my soul and could she cook. She knew how much I loved her creamy chicken noodle soup and whenever she made it, she, or her side-kick Mecca, would call me to let me know that they had it ready. I told Minnie one day that she never had fried chicken livers on the menu, and she special order cooked them for me. They were the best I have ever had. You only meet a handful of great souls like Minnie in your lifetime. I am blessed that I had a chance to know her. Unfortunately, I remember the day of her accident - my son's coach was one of the first people to get to her car - but I did not know it was Minnie until today. I am heartbroken and devastated, but I will live with her laughter and smile the rest of my life. I know she is in Heaven and if the rest of them are lucky, she has already served them her creamy chicken noodle soup. God bless her family.

Emerson Thompson

August 23, 2010

To the Alexander family, the Friends from the West Congregation in Savannah,Georgia send their thoughts, love and prayers to you. May God hold Minnie in His memory. Isaiah 26:19 keep your hearts in expectation of this promise from God.

Juanita Mikell

June 29, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the Alexander family. Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall,companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it, Memories of their laughter and smiles will live on forever in our hearts. (Isaiah 41:10,13)

Yvonne

June 28, 2010

Ms. Minnie, as she was know to me, was a serious bible student. During her bible studies, she learned what the bible teaches concerning the condition of the dead as well as the hope of the resurrection of righteous and unrighteous people on a Paradise earth. It is my hope to see her again according to the promise Jehovah God has made "He will call and the dead will answer. They shall live at his command. For he will have a longing for the work of his own hand." (Sing to Jehovah song #111) Minnie's hope for the future now rest in Jehovah's hand.
Ms Minnie's favorite food was...Popcorn.

Pat Duren

June 26, 2010

Coping with the loss of a dear loved one is one of the most difficult things a person may go through. May the God of tender mercies who see your tears and pain of heart give you all the needed comfort and strenght to endure in this most sorrowful time.

With our Sincere Sympathy,

Reed Family

June 26, 2010

Matthews 6:9

"You must Pray then this way: " Our Father in the Heavens , let your name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come Let your will take place as in heaven, also upon earth.

John 11: 25, 26,

Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life he that exercises faith in me even though he dies will come to life and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you belivie, Trust & Belivie.

It's a beautiful Gift to cook for people, God put food on earth for man to enjoy, and when a beautiful person like Minnie can whip up in it's so so so Good it even makes it better. And it truly makes people Happy!

May all the wishes of her family cone true.

Dione Taylor

June 21, 2010

Thank you to everyone who left the kind words regarding my mother, it is so comforting to hear how she affected the lives of others. I know everyone knew her as Minnie, but to me she was MOM, and there are no words to express what she meant to me and my siblings. I know she had a positive affect on the lives of her coworkers and customers, but just imagine what she meant to us....

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Roseann Barrera

June 18, 2010

I just finished reading the article about your mother, wife, grandmother and it sounds just like my mom. She also loves to cook and watch people eat her cooking. The only difference is my mom is a southern girl. I didn't know her but I'm sorry for your lost..
Vera Guy

Vera Guy

June 16, 2010

I'm reading about the gracious heart of the lady that you all know as Minnie and I am overwhelmed. I was very close with her in her youngeryear and knew her then as Muffin. The name may have changed but no doubt the woman did not. She was always fun loving, had a great wit about herself and doted on showing expressions of her love to family and friends. She was my little cousin named Armenthia after my own Mother which endeared her to me even more. It appears as though she has touched a multitude of lives with joy and to God Be The Glory that He now has her beside Him in Heaven preparing a table for the "chosen" as she was. All of your remarks speak volumes about the character of this wonderful person and if you take a little bit of what she gave to you and you then give it to someone else... just for the joy of it - or for Muffin / Minnie. God Bless

Cynthia Holt Maxwell

June 15, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ellen Whitehead

June 15, 2010

I would like to say thank you to everyone who knew my sister Minnie and (Muffin). I am reading all the good things that people have to say about her. She was a wonderful person as well as a sister and daughter. My family here in Detroit would like to take the time and thank each and everyone for the love and the support that all of you have gave this family . Thank you from minnie Mother, sibling,and Other family member.

Shelia Merrieweather

June 15, 2010

"Minnie touched the lives of so many people through her delicious food and great personality. May her memories sustain you and may God's promise that you will see her again at John 5:28,29 bring you hope and peace." Joyce Harris (Atlanta, GA)

June 15, 2010

To Minnie Family, Please remember when someone walks up to tou and says I am so sorry for your loss. And they will!
remember Minnie is not lost. you know where she is.
I worked with Minnie at Harpers Southpark. I watched her dance one day while she preped some food, she did not see me and so old funkny 70's song was playing. hand up in the air smiling hips rocking. I shouted out Couple Skate next song she said "haaayyy". that is how I will remember her.
I am sorry she is not in your arms. but don't forget those HUGS!!
Friend in light.
James Dugan

June 15, 2010

Joe so sorry about Millie. Revelation 21:3,4 speaks of a time when death will be no more. May these words bring you comfort during this sad time.

~Hold on to the memories

June 14, 2010

Coping with the loss of someone so dear is difficult under any circumstances. As time passes focusing on the happy memories you all shared together can help to ease the pain you feel right now.

With Deep Sympathy

June 13, 2010

Dear Joe Joe
I’ve just learned about Minnie passing away in an accident. I can’t express how deeply I am sorry for losing Minnie. I had the pleasure of working with Minnie at the Blue Ribbon. She was one of sweetest people I had ever met. She was a very hardworking woman. She would always smile and give attention to us even on the days she looked very exhausted. Customers loved her. We would exchange stories about our home improvement projects, our families. She was a wonderful support when I had hard times about getting pregnant and she would always put a pat on my shoulder and say “ relax, you will have a baby, all you need to do is relax”. Now I have a five and half months old baby girl and I was just thinking about dropping in your house with my baby to surprise her but the next day I found out the news. Joe I am sure you know this. She loved you so much. She always talked about you with such an affection. May God give you comfort during this very difficult time of your life.
Arzu Parmenter

arzu parmenter

June 13, 2010

We are so very sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences. We didn't know Minnie, but from reading what was written about her and the scrumptious food she cooked for those she loved, we know she will be missed. May your precious memories of her and "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort," ease the pain of losing her.

The Daniels Family

June 12, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Carolyn Stroud

June 11, 2010

I was so sad to hear of Minnie's passing. She was a very dear person, and will be missed by many. Not as much for her cooking skills, which were stellar, as for her sweet smile and loving nature. The sky is going to be a little dimmer without that shining star.

Shelley Setzer

June 11, 2010

I also work downtown and I stopped in quite frequently when Minnie was at Harper's. LOVED that BBQ. It takes time to grieve and heal but know that you and your family are certainly in our thoughts and prayers!

Saundra Hargrove

June 11, 2010

Joe Joe, I was very shocked when I read the story. Minnie was such a great person. I remember when the two of you came to church with me and Richard. I remember her white bean, chicken chili recipe. I remember going downstairs at work just to chat with her. I remember her letting me borrow the water slide for our church cookout. She was such a great person. May God give you the strength to make it through this time.

Venitra White-Dean

June 11, 2010

This is such a terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Minnie's family. I didn't know Minnie very well, but I could tell that she was a wonderful person.

I used to eat at Harper's Uptown all the time. She was always very friendly and warm, and she loved to chat with the customers. She had a way of making you feel special. Minnie will be missed dearly.

L.

June 11, 2010

To the Alexander family,I did not know minnie. but somehow i feel close to her.just hearing about what a wonderful person that she was and a great cook makes her seem just like family to me.may God bless you, her family always and I will keep you in my prayers.

carrie c

June 10, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

zenus grier

June 10, 2010

I had the pleasure of knowing Minnie. I work in the Bank of America Building and for years I went over to "Harper's To Go" for my lunch. Minnie would always give me a big hug and talk with me if she was not in the kitchen. When she and Mecca moved to Harper's Restaurant a little farther down Trade Street, I went there because I really loved to see them (and also for the good food). I was so saddened to read about Minnie's tragic death, and I would like to offer her entire family my deepest sympathy. I know she will be missed by each of you. She was a wonderful, loving person.

Pat Culpepper

June 10, 2010

Joe-Joe, I am sorry to hear about your loss. May God bring you strenght and peace at this difficult time. I will pray for your family. God Bless all of you!

Barbarita Springer

June 10, 2010

When I first met Minnie, it was for a luncheon for the folks at the Shaw Group. I instantly feel in love with Minnie. She was such a joy and always went out of her way to help me with meal planning. I will truly miss her.

Bonnie Jones

June 10, 2010

Wow - I must say that I was deeply moved by the hearing of this tragic accident. I actually work in the Morrocroft center right across the street from where it happened. I was on my way to work when news of this accident took place and for some reason I knew in my heart that this was a special person and immediately felt sadness for the family. Not that news of other losses are not felt, but this one in particular touched me. May the comfort of knowing that Minnie touched so many lives be of some solace at this time. Your family is definitely in my prayers! May the peace of God give you strength during this time. God Bless!

Melissa Pelham

June 10, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of this tradgedy. Minnie was awesome. Everytime my wife and I went to Harper's uptown she would come out and chat with us. She was a wonderful and warm woman. My most heartfelt condolences go out to her family. May she rest in peace.

Bill Benjamin

June 10, 2010

I never had the pleasure of meeting Minnie, but I'm sure I would have loved her personality, as well as her cooking. My condolences to the family. May the many wonderful memories of her bring you comfort. It sounds like she lived life with zest, and was a blessing to many, many people with her caring heart. May God bless you and comfort you all.

Michelle Dowdy

June 10, 2010

i am sorry i never had a chance to try Minnie's soutern fried chicken.Our loss is Heaven's gain. May God be with you and your family.
Charlene

June 10, 2010

Travis Ziglar

June 10, 2010

I am stunned. What a loss. May God bless and keep your friends and family. I only knew you through the food you provided me time after time, as I work uptown. You were always so sweet and I thank you for that. You will be missed.

M Washington

June 10, 2010

People like this amazing woman never live long enough but lets be thankful for the precious time she spent on this earth, the memorable moments and the OUTSTANDING food she shared with us. My heart goes out to the Alexander family and their loved ones. So may GOD comfort your hearts during this very difficult time!

Randy R

June 10, 2010

Minnie, you will be missed. And Harpers will never be the same...

john barker

June 10, 2010

I didn't know Minnie but, she reminds me a lot of my Mother. She is a baker. She bakes cakes for my brothers restaurants, Dressler's. She is always baking for others on top of the many cakes for her work.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish I had a chance to taste her home cooked food. She will go down as a legend and surely be missed.

June 10, 2010

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