Edith Collins Young

Being a member of this family for over fifty-five years has been such a pleasure, and so much of that is due to the manner in which I was always treated by Gran. No typical "mother-in-law" adage could ever apply to her; she was loving, attentive, and softhearted. She always went out of her way to see that everyone felt warm and welcome in her home, and I was proud to be her daughter-in-law. She was also a very fine grandmother to my children, nieces, and nephews. We've lost a marvelous...

My condolences to all of the family and friends of this amazing woman. Gran was such a vivid character. I always think of her as so full of energy and life. Mom (Pat Claiborne) had the best stories about Gran. There was never a time when she could not break down any situation to its barest truth. She never let anything keep her down and because of that, she is such an inspiration to all of us. I am so proud to be a part of her family and she will in my heart and memory forever.

I'm Patricia Claiborne's best friend (from Charlotte) and I remember many of her stories about her precious grandmother. How I wish I'd met her ! I also remember a time when Pat showed me a note she received in the mail from her Gran. She was discussing politics (as Pat said they often did) and after she wrote a few words about some things going on in Washington, she ended the note with "Even if Bill Clinton was just running for Dogcatcher, I'd STILL vote for him!" We got such a laugh...

While I am saddened that our beloved Gran is no longer with us, I try to remember that she would never want us to feel sorrow at a time like this. When my childhood memories surface, I see Gran laughing, of course cooking too much food for everyone, and spouting a few of her famous words of wisdom. To spend 98 years on this earth is quite amazing, but then again, that's our typical Gran, always defying the odds and achieving the unimaginable. I know my brother and cousins would agree when...