Wade Littlejohn
In life we are sometimes fortunate to encounter Gods Presence and feel its sustained effects on our lives. If we are truly lucky we are able to enjoy a peace that surpasses all understanding and an unwavering degree of love that is all encompasing. Some years ago when I was a little boy at Allen Temple, I was so very fortunate to have met a woman who embodied everything I want(ed) to become. I knew at a very young age what it was I wanted to do when I was an adult, I was in love with music, and in love with Church Music. Sister Betty as I called her was the Min. of Music, and not long after watching her and hearing the choir I knew that was my calling. I come from a very musical family and despite what seemed to be the obvious path for my life, it wasn't. I suffered from a lack of understanding, I yearned to follow a path that was distinct to me. In an effort to distinguish myself, I decided to follow another love, Hair! Over the past 20yrs or so Sister Betty and I spent a lot of time together, she would affectionately tell people, "This boy wants my job." Some how the pastor at the time Dr. Smith Sr. got wind of this and on many occasions would bring the both of us down to the platform, and share this with the congregation. Theres a funny thing about passion & your hearts desire, if you are gifted and know what it is your passion is, follow it, because it will follow you. I love Sister Betty for many things, many of which she probably was not aware. Probably, at the top of that list is despite my seemingly obvious choosen path & overwhelming enthusiasm, when I choose not to follow music she never made me feel as though I disappointed her. She continually, encouraged me, often telling me, "Wade your to hard on yourself, cut yourself some slack." When someone believes in you, it is a priceless gift that I'm telling you, you must hold close to your heart. The second is that in my endeavors, to become a businessman, she supported me consistently. Two of the most unforgettable compliments she gave I forever cherish. I had done her hair for Black Nativity, and it was supposed to be a gift, she wouldn't let me do it. She compensated me beyond compare, and asked me, "Is that enough, let me know?" it was more than enough, because I wasn't expecting anything and had I been it still was more than enough. She then said, "It's worth a whole lot more." On another occasion, we were discussing my business and amounts of money I had spent to get started. Sister Betty always got on me about having to do things over the top, saying," I know you like nice things, but you have to take your time. You didn't have to spend all that money, we would have come to whereever you were. We would have come because we love you, but also because you do a very good job." The sincerety in it brings me to tears, and her passing leaves a void in my life that could never be filled. I know we were friends, whose planes were often parralle, decades between the ages but, understanding of 1 soul. When I do become a Min. of Music someday, it is my deepest hope that I can attain 1/2 of the successes that she knew. Thank you Sister Betty for everything, all that you ever did for Tiffany and I. We were truly your children and you never ceased to show it. I will miss our 1on1 chats, the truth I could speak with you, and the confidant that I had in you. My heart is pained but also full of joy, Your music much before its time but, truly what this journey & our salvation is really about. I know why God sustained you for over 90years, it was because we needed you, we needed a different kind of love, one only you could show us. Ever loving, ever true, always in my heart and on my mind- With all the love in my Heart,Wade David Charles Littlejohn III