Roy and Marilyn Norman

To Bob and Family.

The news of the passing of Mary broke our hearts. She was such a dear person, always with a humorous and kind personality. Her brilliance always had an effect on us, and we thought highly of her.

It's been a blessing throughout the years to be friends of yours. We will always cherish the good memories that we spent together. May you find comfort and strength knowing that you have caring friends. Trust in the Lord, with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. Be Blessed!

Love, Roy and Marilyn

William G. Woodwon

 A dear friend for over thirty years -- thank you and farewell

 Dear Mary,

I was a brand new college graduate in 1981. Bachelor’s degree just now dry and master’s still wet. I reported for duty at my first "real" job. You greeted me, helped me find my bearings. And connected me to your husband Robert and eventually my second "real" job. But it wasn't the work that made you stand out in my memory. It was your caring, nurturing, easy friendship. I didn't know that the place where I worked could be a place where I could make lifelong friends. And your gentle, easy grace and caring nature set a high bar for the spirit that I might show to my colleagues and friends. On my very best day I might approach you on your worst.

Such a wonderful treat to know you. My heartfelt sympathy to your three boys and especially to Robert, who I know is missing you with a depth of feeling that words cannot describe.

Farewell, dear friend.

Connie Kimbrough

Aunt Mary, may the angels guide you to glory and may your laughter ring throughout the heavens. Our time together on this earth was way too short, but I look forward to seeing you again. Please tell "Twin" hello. My deepest sympathy to the family. Please know we all have you in our prayers. I hope the wonderful memories of Aunt Mary will get you through these difficult times. She will be live in our hearts forever.

Mucho Love, Connie K

Linda Ryles

Bob: I will keep you in prayer. I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing, I know she was the love of your life and you took exceptional care of her during her declining health. I am sorry I did not to get to meet her and hear her stories of teaching, her civil rights experiences and her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority school days. In reading the comments and tributes, it appears she had a wonderfully positive influence on her students and others she met throughout her life. I do hope you will be comforted and find peace knowing that you will join her one day where there will be no pain and suffering. I am also happy to hear that you will be living in such close proximity to your youngest son and his wife. Stay blessed, faithful and trusting God.

Dr. Naomi Warren

Celebrating Dr. Mary Luins Small:  With a Smile

Prepared by:  Dr. Naomi Warren

March 16, 2014

 

Dearest friend, sister, and mother.  These are the words that come to mind when I think of Dr. Small.  Our paths first crossed in 1997 when she hired me to teach English composition at Huston-Tillotson College.  And, thus began a precious friendship that lasted for almost 20 years.  Dr. Small adopted me into her family – a transplant from Los Angeles – camped out in Austin.    

I was an aspiring doctoral student at the University of Texas at Austin, and Dr. Small’s kindness, smiles, and guidance, reassured me that there was light at the end of the tunnel.  After all, she was a stellar example of that light – not only for me, but also for other graduate students of color who were making their way through UT:  David Humphreys, Juandalynn Taylor, and Vera Walker.  Each sends condolences. We were blessed to have sat under Dr. Small’s tutelage.

Over the years, Dr. Small and I shared numerous “extended” phone chats – sometimes prompting Bob to pick up and ask if we were still talking.  Indeed, talking to Dr. Small was always a treat, and if we happened to chat on Sunday, the call would surely end shortly before “60 Minutes” – a program she never missed.  In this, we were kindred spirits, for I had grown up watching “60 Minutes” with my parents.

Dr. Small was brilliant – and a treasure trove of knowledge and counsel that she lovingly sprinkled throughout our conversations.  Paper and pen were always on hand during our chats to make note of a book, article, organization, place, or person that I should look up, to enrich my understanding of the many issues we covered.

Dr. Small was a consummate educator and a wonderful person.  Although I will miss her caring nature, her laughter, and her smile, fond memories will keep her spirit alive.  She was the first person who called me Nay, oh so matter-of-factly – like a dear friend, sister, or mother.  It is a nickname that I will cherish.   

To Bob, Evan, Darien, and Thomas.  Thank you for sharing Dr. Small with me.  

Margaree King-Mitchell

MY TRIBUTE TO MARY L. SMALL 

When I first went off to college at Brandeis University, I was blessed to meet Dr. Mary Small.  She was one of my professors, and she taught journalism classes in the African American Studies Department.  I loved her enthusiasm, joy, and way of speaking that got her point across without being at odds with anyone.  Before long she had taken me under her wing.  She must have seen this country bumpkin straight from a small town in Mississippi struggling to find her way in the world.  But she never made me feel that way.

She guided me into my life’s work.  It was Dr. Small who first realized my writing ability and encouraged me to pursue writing as my career.  When it was graduation time, she encouraged me to apply to graduate schools of journalism.  And she wrote recommendations for me.  In fact, all through my life whenever I’ve needed a recommendation, she always took the time to write one in spite of her busy schedule.

My family from Mississippi had planned to come to Brandeis for my graduation.  I was so happy that my grandfather would finally get to see the place I had gone for four years.  Then a couple of weeks before graduation, I learned that my family wouldn’t be able to attend after all.  Only my sister who attended Princeton would be able to make it.  Needless to say, I was disappointed.  But Mrs. Small stepped up and gave me a graduation party in her home.  I shall always be grateful to her for doing that.  She didn’t want my graduation to be just another day, but an occasion to be celebrated.

After an internship when I was offered my first job at an advertising agency, I told her that I wouldn’t accept anything less than $10,000 (a lot of money in those days).  But she told me that the important thing was to get in the door, do a good job, and then get more money later. 

I can’t write this without tears flowing.  But I guess that is appropriate because Mrs. Small and I have laughed until we cried so many times through the years.  I always kept up with her in whatever city she had moved.

When she moved to Austin, I was thrilled because she was right down the road from me in Houston.  Even though she was busy with her students at Huston-Tillotson and her many faculty commitments, she always took time to talk to me.  I cherish the times my family and I were able to spend with her in Austin.

Even after her stroke whenever I called, she was the one who cheered me up.  And that continued with her move to Albuquerque.  Throughout her illnesses, she was always upbeat and filled with laughter.  I always felt better after I hung up from a telephone call with her.  A call meant to cheer her had cheered me instead.  After each telephone conversation, I was filled with news to share with my husband.  And after each conversation, I always felt that she was fine.  She sounded the same.  She talked the same.  And we laughed and laughed.

 

I have had the opportunity to visit with her twice since she moved to Albuquerque.  You see, my son played football for the Air Force Academy, and they played the University of New Mexico every year.  I was excited to learn that they would be playing in Albuquerque twice.  I was so excited, not because of the game but because I would get to see Mrs. Small.  During our last visit, my husband and I had a delightful brunch with her and Evan.  It was like old times:  catching up on the latest news and sharing pictures.

She had the ability to make me feel like I was her favorite student, even though I now know that other students felt the same. 

When she insisted that I call her ‘Mary’, I just couldn’t.  Because she was my elder and I had always been taught to respect my elders.  And I respected HER so much.  So instead of the formal ‘Dr. Small’, I started calling her ‘Mrs. Small’.  To me calling her ‘Mrs. Small’ meant she was more than a professor.  She was a close family friend.  She was my guide to the world when I was freshly in it and on my own for the very first time.  She was a counselor. She was wise.  She was a scholar.  She had a great spirit.

I will forever remember Mrs. Small:  my teacher, my mentor, my friend.  

 ~ Margaree King Mitchell

Lester and Michaella Fields

Lester:

 I met Robert and Mary in 1959, while stationed in Denver.  From the time we first met, Mary always had the most pleasant smile, quiet demeanor, warmest hello and welcome to our home. She was special, and one of the most loving, generous people I have ever met. Mary will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.

Michaella:

I first met Mary and Robert when Lester and I began dating when he was stationed at Lowry. Lester told me “I want to take you to the home of two very special people who are important to me.”  I’ll never forget being invited into the warm and welcoming home of Robert and Mary.  Mary served tea as graciously and with as much dignity and love as a queen.  She made everyone around her feel special, lifted and happy.   Her warmth, smile and pleasant demeanor has been one I’ve attempted to mirror.  To say she was “a special lady” doesn’t do her justice.  She was magnificent; and one could never have been in her presence long enough.  I smile every time I think of her.  She will be missed. 

Lester and Michaella Fields  

Dr. Robert A. Garmong

Mary Small was a rare soul, graced with elegance and an almost aristocratic air, yet unfailingly kind and humble. It was my good fortune to work for her at Huston-Tillotson College for a year during graduate school. Though her health was already on the decline, she bore her burdens without complaint or bitterness, greeting each day with childlike wonderment. Her spirit of indomitable happiness was and is an inspiration to me. I doubt I shall ever meet her equal. 

Dr. Robert A. Garmong
Lecturer of Business
Surrey International Institute
Dongbei University of Finance and Economics
Dalian, China

Keisha M. Pete

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Mary L. Small.  She was like a "second mom" to me.  Knowing her since my years at Huston- Tillotson College has been a true inspiration!  Dr. Small will always be my mentor and someone I looked up to. She possessed a kind, nurturing, and wise spirit.  In her lifetime, she inspired many. 

My last conversation with Dr. Small was during the Christmas holidays.  She paid tribute to me, stating how proud she was of my accomplishments.  That really touched my heart deeply. Consequently, little did I realize that this conversation would be our last!

Dr. Small was an English professor who was an encourager and a life coach throughout the major milestones in my life, and we were so proud to be sorority sisters. I will never forget her joy of life and her love for her family.

I share in your sorrow and mourn the loss of your loved one.

God’s Love and Peace Always,

-Keisha M. Pete

HTC

Class of 1997

Carol Noel

It is with deep regret that I learned that Mary Luins Small has passed.  My deepest sympathy to the family.

There's not enough time to tell you what she meant to me.  I was her student, but more important, she was my spiritual mother, sister to my biological mother (though they never met).  It was through her that I learned to become a woman and a mother. Mary was the heroine of all the stories I told about her.  It saddens me to know that she will no longer talk to me nor my friends.

 In my heart (as long as it beats), I will remember her smile, kindness, joyous conversation around tea from mason jars, love for all of us (young and old), and her perspectives on how humanity could become better.  

 I love you Mary Luins Small.  You are now rejoicing with those who have passed on (your parents, grandparents, family and friends).

 Those of us who remain here will never forget you.  You have left your footprints as our guide.

 Carol Noel

Herbert W. McGuin, III and Family

To Mr. Robert J. Small and Family,

 

I want to give my deep condolences to you, your sons, and their families.   

Dr. Small was my mentor.  She modeled how I now interact with my students as a professor and a librarian.  To borrow a term from the ministry, she was my mother in academia, with every bit of the nurturing and guidance implied in that statement.  It is that sense of mother-kindness that I loved about Dr. Small.   

I clearly remember Dr. Small taking time to talk to me about matters ranging from diagramming sentences, to marriage, to writing articles.  When she hired me to work in the English and Other Languages Department at Huston-Tillotson, I learned not only about the rigors of teaching, but I also got a look into the heart of a masterful and devoted teacher.  I will be eternally grateful for her guidance and initiation into the academic life.     

As I progressed through college, seminary, and library school, Dr. Small congratulated me on those accomplishments. When I married my wife and began my own family, she and Mr. Small celebrated those milestones.  When my parents died, she was there with comforting words.  When I became a tenured associate professor and ordained minister, her joy was clear. 

Dr. Small has been a great constant in my adult life, and I will continue to provide her example to those students I connect with.  I will miss our conversations deeply.

As I write these words, I regret not being there with you to better honor the life of your beloved wife and mother.  (She is worthy of the highest honors possible.) Mr. Small, I have learned much from your example of love and devotion to your wife over the years, and I hope to remain your friend.

 

With sympathy,

 Herbert W. McGuin, III and Family

Rev. Richard Henry

Dear Bob and Children,

The message I received yesterday is one that, like you, I have felt in my bones had to come soon … as it did. (I think your mother set some kind of record for the length of time she spent on a dialysis machine before that help could no longer really help.) Whatever the faith we hold and, we hope, live by, we can agree that her end comes—to her and to each of you, not only as a huge sadness—but as a huge relief. Your father, most of all, has lived this next-to-last chapter of his life waiting on your mother hand and foot. Now you can help him make this last chapter a harvesting time, a time to celebrate your mother when she was well doing work she loved and able to give you dad and you kids some good memories.

Remembering back when she and your dad, my Helen and I were doing things together, I came across the attached letter that I think belongs to your family. I’m not proud of the Dick Henry who comes through the reading of it; in fact, I feel shame, remorse, and more than a little sadness at the human being I apparently was during the hottest days of the civil rights struggle—in fact, the kind of white liberal MLK Jr. described in his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” But I don’t give it to you to show what a fallible, arrogant guy I was.  I share it to give you another piece of testimony of your mother’s extraordinary powers as a wise human being, and a very generous-hearted one.

I’ll be thinking of you each one on Sunday and many Sundays and other days as well. Help your dad heal the wounds of sadness that are inevitably part of remembrance, and choose to recall the good happenings you shared with one another. I send you all love and sincere wishes for your futures.

 

Rev. Richard Henry

Janet, Mark, and Spencer

Bob,

 

We're so sorry to hear of Mary's passing.  And, we are very sorry we can't be there with you for the memorial.  

Mary was always so sweet and optimistic.  And she was always so kind to all of us.  Spencer is already 16, but still hangs onto the Cheerios book--with the warm inscription, that Mary gave to him when he was just a little guy.  We remember her stories about the civil rights movement and the long lovely letters she would send, catching us up on your wonderful family.  It has always saddened us that we weren't able to get together more often once you moved from Austin.  Mary always had a special place in my heart because she shared a May11th birthday with my mom.  Mary's passing leaves the world a little dimmer without her infectious smile.  She will be greatly missed.  

 Love,

Janet, Mark, and Spencer