Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc

Stories of Edna, Spann, and their children It’s a new day in paradise!  

Published since 2008, !TFAM is a bi-weekly lifeline that unites readers and asks them to  ensure the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy of excellence. !TFAM provides an inside view into  the lives of Tuskegee Airmen and the people they influence. 

Good day readers, 

Yesterday we shared news about the passing of Edna Watson. Today we will  share a few memories of the Watson family. 

This is important to our collective legacy and history. As members of TAI, it’s up to  you to tell stories the airmen told you. Remembering to pass your memories  forward adds to our rich history. With this information, you control the narrative,  you set the record straight. You correct what others say about the airmen and  those of us who stand on their shoulders, as well as those who will stand on their  shoulders and our shoulders. Sharing their stories and your memories adds color  and texture to the other versions, the white washed version and the sanitized  version you often find in news articles and textbooks.  

A shared story keeps the home fires burning and the lights on late at night to  guide you home. A memory shared comforts and consoles. A memory shared  brings smiles and hopes for a better tomorrow. 

Yesterday, I made a request to Tuskegee Airmen wives and surviving spouses. I  asked, “would you be kind enough to send Cynthia Hopson a condolence  email?. If you have a memory that you’d like to share, please share it with  Cynthia. Cynthia’s email address is [email protected].  

I also asked, “everyone else who knew or remembers Edna, Spann, and/or  Weyman, feel free to drop Cynthia a line or two. And if you didn’t know them,  but appreciate their legacy, service to America, and TAI send a note. Thank  you.”  

Here are memories shared with Cynthia and her family from Dr. Deborah Hall Greene and Patt Terrelongue. 

From Dr. D…  

Hello Cynthia Hopson, 

They call me Dr. D. and I was the National Protocol Officer for the famed Tuskegee  Airmen, Inc. for over 25 years. During that time, I was honored to have known your  parents. I had the pleasure of setting up escorts for your Dad at our national  conventions and listening to his many stories.

I was the liaison for the documentary…In Their Own Words…making sure the selected  Airmen were in place for their on-screen interview. I remember well trying to pull your  Dad away as his time for being filmed was approaching and he was still telling stories. I  literally had to lock arms and pull him away, still talking. 

This was the case with so many of the DOTA’s and I enjoyed listening to every story,  our history. I was so proud being a part of the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony,  passing out the medals to each DOTA and having the privilege of escorting the DOTA’s  to their reserved seats at both of President Obama’s inaugurations.   

My memories are many and fond with your Mom & Dad and so many DOTA’s. For this  reason, I remain on my mission to “Keeping Their Legacy Alive” by speaking at schools,  the African American Museum, local museums, DAR, Rotary Clubs, Federal Agencies,  and various Veteran Organizations. 

I sincerely believe that your Dad pushed his way to the front of the pearly gates, with  arms stretched, welcoming Mrs. Edna in.  

God bless you and your family during this difficult season and may HE grant you  abundant strength and peace. 

All the best, 

Dr. D. 

Reply from Cynthia: 

Thank you so much for remembering my mom and Dad!! They were so special to  us, but it is nice to hear others’ memories of them too. It will take some time to  adjust to our loss, but I have a brother and sister to help each other through it.  Thank you for contacting us. We appreciate those that still continue spreading  the Tuskegee Airmen story!  

Cynthia Watson Hopson  

Let all your dreams dance!! 

From Patt Terrelongue we have this message below

In case you had not heard, Edna Watson was 103 years old. Her youngest  daughter and Weyman were/are members of our chapter (Claude Govan/Tri State Chapter TAI). Edna knew my parents and godmother Millie. She told me  my parents married the day after she and Spann were married.  

Their daughter, Dianne told me how after their home was destroyed in Westbury  Edna and Spann learned it was the citizens that destroyed it after finding out they  were black. When they were finally able to move in Spann was unable to find a  job, so he wrote to Senator John Kennedy who appointed him to the FAA.  

Amazing and wonderful stories ladies. You are more precious than rubies and so are your memories of the Watsons. I/We greatly appreciate them.  

Stay tuned there’s much more coming!  

!TFAM is a publication created by L. Sunnye Simpson and is not affiliated,  in anyway, with Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Any mention of Tuskegee Airmen  Inc. is done so at the discretion of the editor.  

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