06/21/2026
A Father's Day Tribute to the Men Who Helped Shape My Life
On this Father's Day, I want to take a moment to honor the special men who have played important roles in my life. Each of them has left a lasting imprint on my heart and helped shape me into the woman I am today.
First, to my father, Johnny B. Newman, may you continue to rest in peace. My dad taught me how to stand on my own two feet and never depend on a man to make my way in life. He always called me his "Big Head," and that nickname will forever bring a smile to my face. Thank you, Daddy, for your love, wisdom, and strength.
Right after my father comes a man who also played a major role in my life, James Edwards, affectionately known as "Shorty Mac." May you continue to rest in peace.
After my father, you were one of the most important men in my life. You gave me one of my greatest blessings—my beautiful daughter. You were not only the father of my child, but you were also my first husband, and we shared many years together until your passing.
I was only 16 years old when we met, and you were 21. At such a young age, you showed me so much about life. You introduced me to experiences I had never known and helped me see the possibilities that life had to offer. You were the first man who showed a young girl some of the best things life had to offer.
More importantly, you were an amazing father. To this day, our daughter talks about what a great dad you were. She was truly a daddy's girl and loved you unconditionally. The bond the two of you shared was something special, and it is a memory she continues to cherish.
For the love you gave, the lessons you taught, and the father you were, I will always give you your flowers. Your memory lives on through the beautiful daughter we share and through all the lives you touched.
To my baby brother, Calvin Newman, you were my shadow and sometimes my biggest headache, but I miss you more than words can express. Although you're no longer here, you left behind a beautiful legacy through your daughters and son, my precious nieces and nephew. Rest in peace, Calvin.
To my father-in-law, Willie Frank Martin, known by many as "Bad to the Bone," there is so much that could be said about the man you were. You were a wonderful father-in-law, and I am grateful for the memories and lessons you shared. Rest in peace, Frankie.
To Charles Martin Sr., my estranged husband, I want to give credit where credit is due. Although we are no longer together, you are a great man who fulfilled many of the promises you made. For that, I am truly grateful and appreciative. Thank you for all you have done.
To my brother, Malcolm Newman, we may not talk or see each other as often as we should, but you are my brother, and I love you for who you are. Family is family, and that bond will always remain.
To my son-in-law, Ronald Kline, as long as my daughter is happy and you continue to treat her with the love and respect she deserves, you will always have my respect. I admire the love you show your family and the dedication you have as a father to your children. Being a good father is one of life's greatest responsibilities, and you carry that role well. For that, you deserve recognition and appreciation. Happy Father's Day, Ronald.
To my stepson, Charles Martin Jr., even though your father and I are no longer together, I will always respect and care for you as my son. You have always been a great son, and I am proud of the father you have become. Your love, dedication, and commitment to your family do not go unnoticed. Happy Father's Day, Charles. Keep being the wonderful man and father that you are.
And last but certainly not least, to Waymon Curry, my significant other and partner of seven years. Together, we have built a loving family and are raising three beautiful children we adopted as our own. You are an amazing father, and the love you show those kids is evident every day. They love you dearly, and so do I. Thank you for being the man and father that you are.
To all of these men—those who are still with us and those who have gone on to be with the Lord—thank you. You have each played a significant role in my life and have left a special mark on my heart. Your love, guidance, strength, sacrifices, and unwavering support have helped make me who I am today.
Today, I celebrate you and give you your flowers.
Happy Father's Day to all you great fathers, both here on Earth and in Heaven. Your love and legacy live on forever.
To all my dads, brothers, husbands, sons, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law, and the fathers who have touched my life—Happy Father's Day. I love you all, and I thank God for allowing our paths to cross. May those in Heaven continue to rest peacefully, and may those still here know how much they are loved and appreciated.
