Today I was going to write a Thanksgiving note—something with the usual wise guy commentary from Myren my chauffeur. Instead, I will write about the passing of a treasured friend, one of us Authors from Main Street, Pepper Phillips. But it’ll still be a thanksgiving of sorts, because how could I not be grateful that we had her company and enjoyed her Joie de Vivre for the past three and a half years?
I was surprised five days ago when I read my email and it said Pepper, the lively spark plug of our group, was slipping away—fast. I thought, “No, that can’t be—she just got back from the hospital and was gong to be okay—wasn’t she?”
That’s what she wanted us to think. She didn’t say how serious it was. She took care of us until the very end. She had some AoMS business to take care of and she did it. She has a novella in the current Christmas on Main Street boxed set. She’d been sending emails and not complaining about being sick—only mentioning a temporary hospital visit in between talk of writing business.
At least that’s how it seemed to me. Maybe I was in denial. That could be. I’m notorious for putting the most positive possible spin on whatever bad thing is going on.
And now, without a chance to say goodbye, Pepper is gone.
The problem is that she didn’t seem anywhere near ready to go. She was too vital, too active and in the thick of things and making plans to do more. She was our spark plug. She was energetic and proud and never complained. (Now I wish she had—just a little—but that’s selfish of me.) To say that I will miss her and that I’m profoundly saddened by her passing seems too small to cover how I feel.
We all feel that way, all of us on Main Street, her many friends, and most especially her huge and beloved family. My heart goes out to all of us. A light has gone out here on Main Street, but I know Pepper will glow on in our hearts and memories.
Thank you for being you, Pepper.
Stephanie, I think this captures perfectly how we all feel.
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Beautiful said. Blessings and peace to Pepper’s family and friends.
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Thank you, Kathy. It’s hit us all hard, but we were lucky to know her.
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Thank you Stephanie for expressing our feelings. I read you post and cried again, because it’s all so true. The words swirling in my mind “Unfinished business.” She had so many projects, was organizing ne books and promo, maybe that’s what blinded us to the real situation. Maybe she was protecting us to the last minute.
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I think you’re right, Mona. She never let on, she didn’t burden us with how ill she was. I admire how she handled herself. Very brave.
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Thoughts and prayers for her family.
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I know, Bella. Her family will be so lost without her.
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Wonderful post, Stephanie. So sad for Pepper’s family. I had no idea from her e-mails that she was as ill as she was–you are not alone in that. Miss her joy.
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Thank you, Stephanie, for a lovely tribute.
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Goodness, how sad. I really enjoyed Pepper’s writing and her joy for life came through loud and clear. Rest in Peace, Pepper. Your memory stays alive in the hearts and minds of those you touched.
To all here on Authors of Main Street, I’m very sorry for your loss. Sending you hugs and angels of peace.
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Thank you so much, Mrs. N. Appreciated.
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Stephanie, thank you for those wonderful words. Crying now.
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Jill, I put off coming back to the site because I knew I would cry again. So here I am, crying again.
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So very sorry for the loss of such an integral part of her family and friends. I would like to think she’ll be just as busy up in heaven, God bless.
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You’re so right, Jacquie, what a nice thought.
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Stephanie, I put off reading your post today. I knew your words would bring me to tears…and they did. Thank you for revealing how we all felt about Pepper and her strength. She was a loving and giving person – no complaints. None. Pepper was the one bright light I’ll always hold dear and close my heart. Rest well high upon that mountain, my sweet, sweet Pepper.
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I am so sorry to hear she’s gone. Unbelievable. Hugs to you all.
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I’m crying again. She was our big sis.
Her name might not have been as big as some of the major authors but everyone knew her because she was so active in RWA and the conferences, her writing was top-notch, and she mentored so many authors. Here on Main Street, we’ll be sending a donation to her local library per her family’s request. If you’d like to join us, send whatever amount you can to:
Marksville Branch
[Library Headquarters]
660 N Main St.
Marksville LA 71351
We can make certain that she’s never forgotten!
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Thank you, E. I’m so glad you’re organizing the library donation. Pepper would be very pleased.
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I knew her from the contest loops she ran. She was a nice lady. I’ll miss her.
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Praying for comfort and peace for her family and friends.
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I just heard about this from E Ayers. Was so sorry to have lost her.
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I never met Donna in person, but she was in one of the very first critique groups I was in …. wow, was it really 13 years ago? We’ve exchanged emails on and off over the years, and she has always been positive and encouraging of writers and the business. So sad … Hugs.
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A wonderful lady and a great writer. I know she is crafting stories in Heaven to entertain the angels.
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She probably is doing just that! Thanks for making me smile.
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Gracious, charming, talented, and encouraging. Pepper was all that and more. She will be missed by her friends in the writing community.
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I missed this post earlier but I wanted to tell you that this memorial is a lovely tribute. Wishing for peace for all of you and for her family.
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