December 17, 2018
My oldest sister Arlean Brown recently passed away and her service was on December 8th, two days before my birthday. She had been ill for some time, suffering from multiple strokes over a span of 20 years.
As I reflect on our close relationship, I realized she had been more than a big sister. She was my confidant and, most importantly, my personal Shero. She was my biggest cheerleader, my protector and the first person that instilled in me that I could do anything I wanted to in this life. Because of her support and encouragement, it never occurred to me that there was gender- specific expectations. When it came to my sister, there were never any boundaries.
I still remember like yesterday when I was around seven years old, she bought me a superhero costume. When all the boys were getting Superman and Batman costumes, she proudly bestowed on me a Superwoman costume. “There,” she emphasized, “you now have more superpowers than any of the boys.” As I grew up, I kept that mantra close. Whenever, I was feeling down…less than…or just defeated in life, I would ground myself in the inspiring words of my big sister, put on my invisible cape and exercise my superpowers.
In many ways, she was ahead of her time and unconventional in her thinking. She was a fashion trendsetter who wore hot pants, accompanied by her white go-go boots. She sported false eye lashes before they were popular and rocked stylish eyeglasses. She always moved with such grace and confidence. And even after she had a stroke, she pressed on and never complained about her lot in life.
So, I will always cherish her for encouraging me to step outside of the traditional box others often wanted to put me in. Thanks, big sister, for being my Shero!
Tell me who is your Shero and why?
Often, when I tell someone to “Keep Dreaming,” it comes from a sarcastic place and means “this will never happen.” However, as I reflect on the crazy, challenging year we all experienced in 2020, I think it’s time to get back to our dreams literally.
At the beginning of 2020, I had big dreams. I had planned a February vacation trip to Thailand, a women’s conference in March, Florida in April, Aruba in June, and Hilton Head with cousins in October. All plans were canceled indefinitely. Getting refunds/credits from travel agencies, airlines and hotels became a significant challenge and took lots of energy.
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Hi! I'm LaNella Hooper-Williams. Through my blog, my mission is to give you tips and practical tools that will help you build a powerful brand and accomplish your personal and professional dreams. You’ll learn strategies that help you manage your personal brand, get noticed and rewarded for your unique talents, and gain greater career focus.
Cousin I thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful blog about your sister, my cousin Arlean. She truly was a unique person and a true trendsetter. I can remember admiring a pair of thong patent leather sandals she wore to Detroit one family reunion. I liked those sandals so much that before the family left, she gave me the sandals off her feet. That’s the type of person she was. Whatever she had, she shared with family. She enjoyed the finer things in life and always strived to attain them. She will truly be missed. I thank God for the closeness that we all shared growing up into adulthood. I will cherish the memories.
Who is my Shero–my mom, Mrs. Elsie Payne or as she is fondly called, Mother Payne. My mom believes that there is nothing that I cannot do–that’s what keeps me striving for perfection each and every day.
Love Aunt Elsie. She has always been there for all of us!
Hey there, Cousin Nell….the moment I began reading your blog post, I picked up my phone and called my grandma. In light of everything that has been going on with my dad, one of Cousin Arlean’s best buddies growing up, she didn’t realize that she hadn’t told me that Arlean had passed. I assured her that although I was young, I do indeed remember Arlean. I remember her beauty, inspiration, and the exact way she called my name.
I am so sorry for your loss, but at the same time, I am grateful for the empowerment and inspiration that Cousin Arlean poured into your life. I am also grateful for the times that you have poured inspiration into my life and countless others due to Cousin Arlean’s fierce nature and empowering words. Keep inspiring the masses, and keep gleaning from the beautiful one who shared unconventional wisdom to help you along your journey.
My Shero? My mom, Janie Payne. She’s displayed tremendous strength, unwavering faith, undeniable dedication and she continues to inspire others while still grieving the loss of my younger brother (who passed two days before my birthday in 2017), and excellently caring for my dad during his current fight. God bless you, Cousin Nell, and Merry Christmas 🎁
What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I can see why she was your Shero.