Tomorrow is Irma's memorial service. I have prepared a few words.

Steve Williams · Saturday, July 12th 2014 at 6:18PM · 1196 views

In Memory of Irma

I met Irma through social networking, on the site BlackinAmerica.com, in July of 2009. Over the years our friendship grew, and on January 1, 2013 we met in person at the Soka Gakkai USA New Year celebration at the Sacramento District Community Center. After that we became inseparable, and would talk for hours on the phone. The last time I spoke with Irma was the day before she died.

Our Buddhist faith teaches the centrality of mentor and disciple. It teaches that the mentor and disciple are joined eternally in the three existences of past, present, and future. This is the nature of the Buddha.

Irma used to say that "your God is my God if you do not discriminate against your fellow man." She was a proud African American mother. She never forgot her ancestors, she never gave up hope for the next generation. Her mantra was Educate! Educate! Educate! She always reminded us of the law of cause and effect, and of the four sufferings: birth, sickness, old age, and death. She overcame the final obstacle with grace.

We speak of unsung heroes, but how can a hero go unsung? Irma's life touched many of us, not least of all my grandchildren, Maya and James. Irma was about family. She had family with the Soka Gakkai, she had family with her African American community, she had family with those she called her "extended family".

One of her family is Siebra Muhammad. Siebra calls Irma her "site Mom". Irma calls Siebra "my beautiful almost perfect daughter". I will leave you with a poem Siebra wrote to Irma before her passing.

YOU ARE...

The calm before the storm
The lightning to our thunder
You are the misted rain of a summer storm
The magic that makes us wonder

YOU ARE...

The golden rays of the sun
The warmth that streaks down from the sky
You are the diamonded surface of the lake
The answer to every question why

YOU ARE...

The whisper of the wind
The gentle song of the breeze
You are the beauty of the breath
That makes us always ask please

YOU ARE...

The softness of the earth
The gentle waves of the grass
You are the swaying sea of the flowers
You are the greatness of the mass

YOU ARE...

The goodness in the world
Every kind act, word and deed
You are humane kind without the bad
You are everything we could ever need

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Steve Williams Coatesville, PA

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Comments (11)

Dea. Ron Gray Sr. Saturday, July 12th 2014 at 11:16PM

Brother Steve,

Thank you for sharing that wonderful poem.

Siebra Muhammad Sunday, July 13th 2014 at 2:16PM

I met our sister, our friend, and my "site mom," Irma Robinson on BlackInAmerica.com in November 2008. In the 5 years I've known her, I can honestly say, without a doubt, that Irma was one of the brightest and humble persons I have had the pleasure of dialoguing with.

I have been very enriched by Irma's presence and participation on the BIA website. She was an example of a good person who was dedicated and committed to growing in her life while also motivating others. Irma has never had a problem correcting me, admonishing me, reprimanding me...hey wait a minute I shouldn't be grateful for that (LOL)!

Seriously though, Irma was a mother figure in the truest sense of the word. A true mother figure won't let you stumble in their presence. A true mother figure doesn't delight in seeing you fail. They rejoice at your triumphs and lament at your defeats. They have your back literally. I know Irma was a spiritual mother like that and she was one of the very, very few friends I trust with my life.

Irma was kind, fun loving, and set an excellent example of being upbeat and positive. Even as her health was failing, she still loved to be around people, always educating, always informing. And, she never stopped living life to the fullest.

Contrary to popular belief, all stars are not alike. All people are not alike. Some are made to excel others. Irma, my site mom, was a star without equal. She had a way with words and spoke them with conviction. She was no pushover. She and I were close even though I never had the opportunity of meeting her in person. She was a great teacher and I have and will continue to use her knowledge as a means of what to do--and in some cases, what NOT to do.

Irma taught me how to forgive myself for past failures, whether others forgive you or not, forgive yourself. You can not change the past, only the future. Study the past, extract wisdom from whatever happened, live life to it's fullest every waking moment, because LIFE IS TOO BEAUTIFUL, TOO PRECIOUS AND TOO SHORT to waste a second of it.

She was a blessing of love and a joy to the BIA family. My condolences go out to her children and all those who loved her. Keep Irma in your prayers and our hearts. We miss you Mom!

Siebra Muhammad Sunday, July 13th 2014 at 2:19PM

Thank you for sharing the poem Steve.

MIISRAEL Bride Sunday, July 13th 2014 at 3:15PM

Beautiful Sister Irma will be missed here.
She has left her legacy with each person who communicated with her.
and Siebra the poem meant so much to her.
I too, shall remember her in very special ways.
in Love--MIISRAEL

Sister Juanita From Memphis Sunday, July 13th 2014 at 8:16PM

Although I didn't really know her, my prayer is that she is at peace.

Steve Williams Sunday, July 13th 2014 at 8:28PM

They loved your poem Siebra. When I went back to my seat a guest told me how beautiful she thought it was and asked could she copy it. I thought she meant for herself but she made copies for everyone and everyone wanted one. You are eloquent in your sentiments Siebra. Thank you for sharing.

Steve Williams Sunday, July 13th 2014 at 9:33PM

I had the chance to share about you too Miisrael. irma's father-in-law and his wife, and Irma's step-sister-in-law were there, and I shared about your Sunday morning prayer meetings that Irma loved so much.

Cynthia Merrill Artis Tuesday, July 15th 2014 at 3:28PM

OMG!!! I'm lost for words... To know her in the cyber world and speaking with her over the years ... I marvelled at her wit, spunk, her wisdom... And her NUP... I'M gonna miss her sometimes mysterious blogs ... Fox news reports and her overall calming written words from her blogs. She was a strong woman and I know for certain her words of wisdom I will cheerish in memory. My Lady...

MIISRAEL Bride Tuesday, July 15th 2014 at 7:48PM

@Steve:

A much true gratitude for sharing about the prayers. I also sent her my book and a Artworks before she departed. She told me she loved them! Perhaps her family will keep them as gifts from me. I'm glad she enjoyed the prayers, I'll continue them, of course. Thank you so much Steve.

Jeni Fa Sunday, June 14th 2015 at 2:42PM

Wow.

The Fatima Prayer: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy".

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

May her soul rest in peace.