Just back from Effie Lee’s funeral. The preacher’s take away: “Did you feed me when I was hungry? Give me water when I was thirsty? Then come get your reward.” Effie Lee risked drug wars of Hunter’s Point to read to children. She mentored hundreds of librarians, and women of the book. She welcomed me with open arms into WNBA – thank you, Effie Lee!

Effie Lee Morris was the epitome of a hero. At the funeral service, one of her friends said that Effie Lee used to “run the gauntlet” when she would go to Hunter’s Point to read to children, but, before reaching the school, she would have encountered drug dealers who’d tried to sell their “merchandise” to her.

She displayed her heroism in many other ways. I knew Effie Lee as the founding president of the San Francisco Chapter of the Women’s National Book Association and the leader who coordinated book donations for children to the San Francisco Hall of Justice Teddy Bear Room. Joan Gelfand and I saw what this project meant to Effie Lee-–that time when we were Effie Lee’s “understudies” and dropped off the donations with WNBA SF Chapter past president Adele Horwitz.

I miss Effie Lee. It was always a special treat to see her at WNBA events and board meetings. I’m going to honor her by watching one of her favorite movies–-Amélie. Effie Lee said she loved Paris. Au revoir et salut, dear Effie Lee.

What a privilege to meet such a bright force in the world of women’s literature. Effie Lee had an unstoppable spirit when it came to paving the way for the future of women and children in writing.

I met her during my first WBNA event and understood why I joined. She will be sorely missed but the organization will carry on in her honor. A true and precious trailblazer.

Rest well, Effie Lee, job well done!!!!

It was a blessing to have known such a great lady. Ms. Effie Lee and I talked on many occasions about spicing up things in the WNBA. We had that talk just before posing for this last group picture at the June 18th meeting. We hit it off when we met at the Author’s Showcase 2007. She will be missed. She was a great and funny lady. She had a beautiful service.

I just finished the WNBA-SF chapter memorial page, so take a look- http://www.wnba-sfchapter.org/Effie-Lee-Memorial.html
I was smiling to myself as I worked on it. She was such a firecracker. She always made me smile.
Her youthful energy, her great sense of humor and her fun fashion sense made her one of those people you will never forget. Effie Lee Morris, you were a real pioneer for women, and I will always remember you with a smile and admiration for all your hard work and bringing the Women’s National Book Association into all our lives.
Thank you.