Jonesboro

Holford Monument, by unknown, 1989
One of the functions of memorial sculpture is to capture the essence of the person. You've probably never heard of Thelma E. Holford, but after seeing this sculpture and reading the inscription on her crypt, do you think you know something about her? The sign she is holding says, "DON'T BE AFRAID TO STAND ALONE." The writing on the sides of the crypt says,

MY DAILY PRAYERS
GOD HELP ME KEEP MY LONG NOSE
OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S BUSINESS
AND GIVE ME TWENTY-SIX HOURS
EACH DAY TO MIND MY OWN.

WORLD'S FIRST AWNING WOMAN
SELLING - [MANUFACTURING] - INSTALLING SINCE - 1934
MADE EVERYTHING BUT AN APPETITE
MENDED EVERYTHING BUT A BROKEN HEART
DESCENDANT OF PIONEER FAMILIES
BARRETT-WATKINS-SELF-PATTON
DAUGHTER OF J G AND LELA MAE (PATTON) WATKINS"