9/2/21
On Friday, August 27th the Lord called a friend, Trudell Skinner, home to rest. Lady Skinner was the wife of Reverend Tyrone Skinner of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena, CA. In her short but accomplished life, this giant achieved her Doctorate. She also served as Principal of Blair High School and as an administrator at the Pasadena Unified School District. The Journal recognized her as one of our Women of Achievement during our ninth Annual Women of Achievement Breakfast where she was honored with other First Ladies as one of God’s Special Messengers. Trudell served double duty as an honoree and keynote speaker for the event. She told the crowd that it was up to the First Lady of the church to define her duties. While generally the First Lady has served by honoring and supporting her husband in his role of Pastor, Mrs. Skinner told the crowd that, historically, the role of First Ladies is to teach, and play the piano, and lead the women’s ministry. Ms. Skinner said there were three types of Pastor’s wives, (1) The everything wife, (2) The Nothing wife, and (3) the Something wife. With finesse, she described these three types of First Ladies with precision, most had never heard, and thrilled the crowd. The Everything wife tries to do everything to the point the members sometimes call her elder. The Nothing wife does nothing and becomes an obstacle to her husband. The third wife is a team member doing what needs to be done to assist the pastor but maintains her interest which may involve activities outside of the church. In other words, she’s her own woman. She said that new First Ladies are often told that the former first lady did things differently. Her simple reply is that there are many ways to paint a house. Further, there is more than one way to help catch the vision of the Church. Mrs. Skinner finished her exciting talk by saying, “The most important thing as a First Lady is to be yourself.” Truly wise words from a wise woman! To many, she was considered a “Something Special” Wife, Mother, and First Lady. Trudell was the mother of two grown children, a daughter Trinity, and a son Tyler. She was most proud of her children. She and her husband, both of whom hold Doctorate’s, were excellent role models for their children. I am reminded of the Winan’s song that says, “Millions Didn’t Make it, but I was one of the ones who did.” It is a refrain that can be sung by Trudell as she meets with the Lord. No words can truly express the sorrow we feel by this Loss. Our condolences seem not to be enough. At this point, all we can say for now is goodbye and feel blessed that Trudel passed by our way and shared in the gifts of her life, her love, her teachings, her children, and her husband. Lady Trudell, we will miss you. We will never forget you, and as we go through our daily lives, we will hold love in our hearts for you. . . [At press time, final arrangements were pending.] |
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