A life lost is a future denied. This page is dedicated to someone unknown to me, but who represented a life lived, a person loved and a life cut short. Reflecting on this experience, I was forced to confront once again . . . man’s inhumanity to man. Every person matters . . . Weber Jean mattered . . .why is that so difficult for some people to comprehend?
IN MEMORY OF WEBER JEAN
During the 1970s and 80s, Shirley Washington Then was “blazing her trail” on the Hollywood Scene as an actress. Young, energetic and feisty, she was making sure no one left her behind! Shirley appeared in several movies and TV shows. Among them: Mission Impossible as a stewardess; Maggie in Wonder Woman; Travel agent in The Puppet; Theda in Darktown Strutters and Mrs. Jefferson in Bamboo Gods. She also starred in a film called Disco. Did Shirley Washington Then have other talents?
Shirley the Dancer
This writer knew Shirley Washington Then…but had no idea what hidden talents she had. Here’s an example of one:
Wow! Now that Shirley has revealed her talent as a dancer, let’s explore her history and discover other talents. In the following video, her talk show ability is questioned and challenged.
Darktown Strutters
According to Wikipedia, Darktown Stutters was a musical comedy about four (4) female gang bikers named Syreeno, Carmen, Miranda and Theba (Shirley). A synopsis of the storyline reveals numerous episodes that challenge one’s ability to determine the movie’s plot. The sequence of events as described by Wikipedia, did not allow this writer to follow the story. The focus of the movie simply eluded me. I have no idea what the writer was trying to achieve, nor the message he was seeking to deliver. Therefore, you are directed to Wikipedia for your own personal “read.”
However, from Shirley’s perspective, let’s recognize that launching an artistic career is not easy, and can lead to accepting roles that successful actresses may not choose. Ms. Washington was not born with a “silver spoon in her mouth,” and receives high marks for her courage, determination, tenacity and ingenuity for getting the roles she received. Hooray Shirley!
Shirley Washington Now. . .
What is Ms. Washington doing these days? She spends much of her time traveling between her apartment in Los Angeles and home in Las Vegas to musical events. Hearsay says . . . she is still very much involved in the music industry–setting up and negotiating contracts for clients’ musicals, plays, book deals and musical events. That is . . . when she is not “flying and cruising” from one country/continent to another with longtime friend and Motown Songwriter Eddie Holland. Hometown Detroit also welcomes her for special Motown events.
Recently, Shirley attended an event in L.A. that honored friend Smokey Robinson and Motown Mogul Berry Gordy. Some of the attendees are shown in the photo below:
Whether you are looking at “Shirley Washington Then” or “Shirley Washington Now,” the picture will be crystal clear, progressive, busy and spectacular! And . . . you will not need a magnifying glass!
When a family member is taken from us, we are only left with memories. Those memories help us dissolve the lump in our throats and the piercing sword in our hearts. Memories keep a life lost, alive in our souls. We reflect on the things that made us smile, the messages we stashed away for future use and the experiences that made an indelible impact on our lives. Photos help keep love energized and hope renewed.
This page was made possible by my grandson Raphael Fluker. He shared beautiful memories of Mr. Weber with me and provided all of the pictures. Mr. Weber Jean was a person who sought to make the world a better place. Death cannot take that away.
We have only to remember the man who lived 2021 years ago and know that is true. His name . . . Jesus Christ. The mutilation of his body could not destroy the revelation he brought to the world! Cessation does not mean destruction.
CESSATION IS NOT ELIMINATION
As I stare at the pictures, I see a family trying to cope with death in a world of death and destruction. Their covered faces remind us COVID 19 is still worldwide. However, mankind is rising above it and proving that cessation of life does not mean destruction of good. Goodness is a state of mind. The family of Mr. Weber knows that. They can prove that!
A LIFE LOST
Remembering Weber Jean is not accepting a life lost.