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What a Lady

Daughters Read Wilma Mankiller's Final Message

KOTV-TV - Online

04/11/2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010 1:04 PM EST Updated:
Sunday, April 11, 2010 1:15 PM EST

Wilma Mankiller died at age 64 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Wilma Mankiller's daughters Felicia and Gina Olaya speak at their mother's funeral Saturday.

TAHLEQUAH, OK -- Former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller wrote a message four days before her death that was delivered at her memorial service by her daughter, Felicia Olaya.
I think what helped my family and friends is to see that even though I don't feel well, my mind is peaceful.

I know that many people around here believe in burial. I've decided that what I want is to be cremated and to have my ashes be part of the land around the spring at Mankiller Flats where I grew up, the place I love and that will always be.

But I would like them to bury something after today. I would like them to bury any unkindness or anger or hurtful things I may have done. Bury those with me.

I also want people to know what an incredible life I've had. I want them to be encouraged by it.
When I was seven or eight and living here, no one would ever have guessed what the future would bring.

I hope people will learn from that - about themselves and about others.

Don't turn away from people because of how they look or what they have - because you never know what they'll contribute to the world.

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