By Doni Glover, Publisher
(BALTIMORE – September 29, 2024) – With all due respect, having grown up in the funeral industry, I do not prefer to have to go to a funeral. I swear I don’t. At the same time, I get that nudge every now and then. I have had some dear friends go home, especially as of late. COVID took many people I know out of here. One was Mr. Edward Hooks, my mentor. Another was one of my favorite aunts, Lois Glover. I just could not bring myself to go to either one. I know I disappointed some people, but I had seen too many funerals – I figure, and needed a time out. And then, when I did finally go to one, I made a poor joke and left a longtime friend a tad ticked off. Frankly, I thought my comment was funny. But such is life. I didn’t mean any harm. I called myself lightening the load. Oh well.
With that set of confessions out the way, yesterday I showed up for Dr. Z and his family. His mom, Mary Batts Zollicoffer, got her wings. The service was oh so exceptional. While I never met her, I have met two of her sons – Dr. Z and his brother, Thurman. Both men are standup dudes and represent the best of Baltimore.
Their genius dad, Dr. Lawrence Zollicoffer, was my pediatrician – as he was for countless people in Baltimore. He and his partners founded Garwynn Medical Center. In retrospect, Garwynn was a monumental accomplishment for Blacks in
July 5, 1932 – September 11, 2024
Baltimore. Garwynn stands today as a testament to the power of Black Wall Street in Baltimore. And so, it is always a good time when Dr. Z comes on the show. The man speaks my language. He believes in Black people, science, and the Tarheels. He is a North Carolina-nurtured Black doctor who services countless people in our community—sometimes without making one red cent.
Why? Because he is carrying on a tradition deeply rooted in Black people’s DNA. Dr. Z is the quintessential reminder that we all have a role in our development and evolution as a people. He is the classic example of the people we need in our community. He is not afraid of his people.
Some of us get a doctorate and start to look down our funky snouts at people. Not Doc! Oh, no! He is about building up his community – just like his dad.
So, hearing the many stories yesterday about how well-loved his mother was truly blessed my heart. Born on the 5th of July, she was a Cancerian—just like my own mom. That evolved Cancerian woman is truly a gem. She can cook up a storm, raise those kids, keep order (“Bernard!”), and insist on being educated.
The stories shared about Momma Mary were so full of life, love, and hope, one couldn’t help but feel the love she gave to the world. And if you know Dr. Z, then you know that a remarkable woman raised him and his three brothers for he truly has a heart of gold.
Our sincerest prayers go out to the Zollicoffer family at the loss of their matriarch. May heaven warm your soul during this hour of need. “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” Do be encouraged and live your best life until you see her again. God bless!