The matriarch of the family, a guardian of traditions, a repository of wisdom, and a beacon of unconditional love. Never forgotten, always respected, “Mama” 1922 – 2017.. 💕

Tribute to Mary Elizabeth Hammond
From “Sweet Potato Pie” to 23rd & Jackson


A Black grandmother stands as a pillar of strength, a beacon of wisdom, and a boundless source of love. Her story is woven with resilience, her spirit adorned with the grace of generations. She is both a witness to history and a maker of personal legacies.

A remarkable Black woman who carried within her the stories and dreams of her ancestors. She stood as the matriarch, a bridge between the past and the future, gracefully carrying the weight of her heritage and the hope of days to come. In her, you saw the reflection of struggle turned into strength, of adversity transformed into wisdom.

Her laughter was a melody that resonated with the echoes of resilience. It was the sound of overcoming, of joy that has fought its way through the trials of life. Her hands, etched with the lines of time and work, were a testament to her enduring love and tireless dedication. Those hands held, healed, and uplifted generations.

As a Black grandmother, she was the keeper of traditions, the oral historian who passed down not just stories, but a legacy of courage and endurance. Through her tales, we traveled to times and places far away, understanding the journey of those who came before us, and appreciating the path they paved.


Her kitchen was a place of magic, where simple ingredients turned into meals that nourished not just our bodies, but our souls. For this we are thankful for what has now become Simply Soulful.


So here’s to “Mama,” a phenomenal Black woman, whose life was a tapestry of strength, courage, and unconditional love. Her memory is a guiding star, her legacy, a treasure beyond measure. In honoring her, we are reminded of the profound impact one life can have, and the enduring strength of love and family.

Mama’s Recipes..