Phyllis W. White

Phyllis, affectionately known as Meme, was the 1st Board President of Sisters’ Journey after Sisters Journey’s incorporation in 2004. Besides continuing her daughter’s legacy and being instrumental in keeping the organization going, she volunteered for the American Cancer Society. She was a dedicated advocate in teaching young women about self-advocacy and health awareness. It is because of her commitment, dedication, and perseverance that we are offering 4 scholarships each year in remembrance of our founding leaders.

Barbara Winters

Family gatherings were always the most special times for Barbara (left) and Linda (right). Also shown are Linda’s son George (back left), one of Barbara’s sons, Frank (back right) and friends of the boys, Rufus and Tony.

Dear Members and Supporters of Sister’s Journey, Although our mother, Barbara Winters, did not succumb to breast cancer, she believed in supporting people – especially the women of Sister’s Journey. As a good friend and supporter of Linda White-Epps and others, she knew the toll that long-term illness can be.

Our mother went through the up and down struggles alongside her friends, and remained a staunch ally in campaigns against breast cancer, in addition to the prevention of homelessness, low education and disparity among people.

Two thousand and four was a tough year for us. The combined losses of our mother, Barbara, and of our friend Linda White-Epps, is great indeed. We will persevere, as we were raised strong. The legacy of these two extraordinary women will keep our heads high. With the help of the vast support systems provided to us (Thank You!), we will be fine. Our families have been connected through generations in life and will remain connected through this chapter as well.

As we children come to terms with our individual situations, it is amazing to us that these two accomplished so much ‘business’ and still had time to be ‘Mom’ for us. We couldn’t have chosen any better. Both were single mothers who, with the help of their extended families, raised their children with love, respect, and dignity.

It proves that with a little preparation, hard work, and sacrifice, a person can accomplish their goals and more. Even though their time here was not as long as some, by touching and influencing many lives, they accomplished more than most. We can only hope to be as successful one day.

There is a huge void left by the passing of these great women. There are many who need our love and support, as well as work to do. Sister’s Journey is a labor of love. Phyllis White has done the lion’s share this year, even as she mourns the loss of her daughter and dear friend. Sister’s Journey was designed so that no one would struggle alone. Our mothers dared to stand for a cause. They did the groundwork. Now it is time for us to carry the torch. This is our journey now.

Thank You for your continued support,
Joey, Mark, and Frank
The Winters Brothers

Yvonne Cooper Watson

When you are down to nothing at all; for the first time, you will realize that God is enough!

I am humbled to be asked, and to share, the following thoughts with all of you. The ninth annual Pink Tea, and the 2008 calendar of honorees, is dedicated to the memory of my wife, Yvonne Cooper-Watson.

Yvonne’s unshaken faith in God, great love for family and friends, and a great energy and spirit for living, strove to make Sisters Journey (from its original concept) a beacon of Faith, Hope, and Love, among the African American Sisterhood.

I, LeRoy Watson, witnessed an eleven-year valiant journey, and will always remember the sparkle in her eyes and the love in her heart when she spoke of Sisters Journey; from its initial trials and tribulations to its subsequent recognition, in the community as a whole, and to the African American community in particular. On many occasions, Yvonne and I shared the following thoughts and feelings:

LOVE is friendship that has caught fire; it is loyalty through good and bad times.

It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.

LOVE is content with the present, it hopes for the future, and doesn’t brood over the past.

It is the day-in and day-out chronicle of irritations, problems, compromises, small disappointments, big victories and working towards common goals.

If you have Love in your life, it can make up for a great many things that are missing.

If you don’t have Love in your life, no matter what else there is…it is not enough.

Among the many things that Yvonne loved, education was most dear to her. She enjoyed sharing information with others, and truly loved the people with whom she prayed and communicated. Our children, Lavone, Jayme, Marie; our loving grandson Mekhi; our special niece Jacqui, and the great Cooper-Watson extended family and friends miss her more than these words could ever say.

Thank you Sisters Journey, and all of you who have kept my friend, my partner, my Love Yvonne, alive in spirit through all your wonderful prayers and gestures of love. Our family thanks you!

Finally, Thank You Eve, for giving me 40 years of unconditional love. I feel your warmth this very moment. Forever my sweetheart, Forever in my heart Always One,

LeRoy