Miss Maybelline at 75 becomes Roller Queen in Hot Springs Arkansas

My grandmother known as "Miss Maybelline" in Hot Springs Arkansas in the 1970's, was killed in an unsolved arson related fire in 1978, but you'll have to read my book for the whole story.

Be sure to check out my Bio On Wendy Shepherd's Officially Plugged in website.http://www.officiallypluggedin.com/  and while you're at it BUY MY BOOK!!!!  THANK YOU!

Miss Maybelline, Rest in Peace!!!

Remembering my grandmother, at her memorial, I spoke of her incredible life and what I'd learned from it.

The Chapel was filled with her family and friends.  Two pictures of Nana sat on a table.  She was wearing a black hat with red feathered plums and had one foot up on a chair, exuding all the moxie of a confidant move star. 

The memorial was dramatic, and I gave the eulogy, wearing a 1950’s black Christian Dior dress, just like Nana wore, in her hay-day with Warren.

  My memories of Nana, brought the crowd of loved ones to tears, as details of her amazing life made it impossible to believe she was gone. 

 After the service a line of Cadillac’s, Mercedes and Rolls Royce’s cruised up the hill overlooking the ocean.  It was surreal, as fifty people gathered at the fountain to watch my larger than life grandmother, be put in a

red little box.

But as we soon learned, not for long!!!

Read the unbelievable details in The Maybelline Story, and purchase a signed copy today at http://www.maybellinestory.com/.

Tom Lyle Williams last pictures with the family.

Last pictures of Maybelline founderTom Lyle Williams in California, taken in 1973.

I was lucky enough to bring my fiance, Gene Dorney up to meet my Unk Ile, a couple months before we were married.  I remember my great uncle saying to me, "Gene is very intelligent, and you are very thoughtful."  Those were the last words spoken to me and I never saw my beloved uncle again.  He began to decline fast and wanted us to remember him as he had always been - strong, vital and handsome.

This picture was taken at the Bel Air estate - uncle Chet, me, Preston, auntie Mabel, Billee, Nana, Unk Ile and Donna, 1973.  It was Mabel and Chet's last visit to California.  I remember a bitter sweet feeling, knowing this was the last time I'd ever see them.  I was 25, about to be married and start a new life with Gene, but there was a sadness about that day I still can feel today.  The end of an era was about to take place.

uncle Chet, Jean and Noel Williams.  Unk Ile always had flowers on the piano and coffee table when the family came to visit.  I think the expression on Noel's face was somber and reflective, because he could see how gaunt and thin Unk Ile looked, a Shadow of the man he had always been.

Nana, auntie Mabel and uncle Chet.  Who would have believed the terrible fate that was facing my grandmother that day in 1973.  She was 72 here and continued to look youthful to her last day.  Sweet auntie Mabel the namesake for Maybelline was so opposite from Nana and many times I wished we could have had a grandmother more like her.  Uncle Chet was a great man, strong and steady and I loved him like a grandfather. 

My sister Donna, Billee and my little brother Preston.  I remember Nana bought us all new clothes for the occasion, insisting we look casual yet elegant.  She was good that way, always wanted us to live up to her standards right to the end.

Now stay tuned as I walk down the isle with Gene, at my father's estate in Palm Springs.  For the whole story please get your signed copy of the Maybelline Story for $14.99 at http://www.maybellinestory.com/