Introduction The year is 1934. Bonnie, Clyde, and John Dillinger have been killed. The Great depression is at its peak and nearly 50% of African Americans are unemployed. Though, many tragedies were being experienced in America at that time on Christmas Day of 1934 an amazing woman entered this world. Mary F. Ansley, my soon to be grandmother was born. Her life was in no way easy, she didn't come from money or have an excellent education. However, her love, lessons, and kindness were worth more than money could buy. I will begin by giving you a glimpse into her background. Then I will share her amazing characteristics and the impact they had on myself and others. Finally, I will discuss why my grandmother was so significant to me. Body Main Idea 1 - Provide important background information about the person. Though my grandmother didn't come from a wealthy family, she was defined by the thing's money cannot buy. My grandmother was born on 12/25/1934. She had 11 siblings, and her parents were sharecroppers. For African Americans in the south during that time life was difficult. Her family lived in a home with no electricity and still utilized an outhouse. My grandmother walked 2 miles to and from a segregated school each day.

She married my grandfather young and had 9 children of her own. She started as a maid for a wealthier white family until beginning her career caring for the elderly, where she later retired.

Main Idea 2 - Talk about what made the person significant and inspiring.

Her family was the most important thing to her. Growing up my parents struggled with addiction. I have 2 siblings and she raised us as her own. It was important for her to keep us together and out of the system. She cooked and cleaned what seemed like all day every day. She taught me the value of hard work. Her and my grandfather had a small farm and me and my siblings did chores around the farm to earn money for the things we wanted. She was kind and compassionate. There was a homeless man who lived in an abandoned car on our road, and she fed him every day. She touched his life in such a way that he turned his life around and came back to repay her for what she had done. Of course, she refused to accept it. She instead proposed he pay it forward. My grandmother never did anything with the expectation of something in return. She did the right things for the right reasons.

Main Idea 3 - Share the reasons the person is meaningful to you.

I learned so much about life that I didn't understand until I got older. She would always say your life won't be defined by what you have but by what you give. Giving can be in the form of time, a smile, hug, or listening ear. My grandmother loved and lived like everyday would be her last. She gave more than she took, and she always stopped to smell the roses.

Conclusion

Mary Ansley a woman who didn't have a lot but gave everything to those she loved and encountered. Though her time on earth has passed, her lessons and memories live forever.

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