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The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman was filmed in my mama's hometown. The makeup trailer was in my grandmother's yard. The church in the movie is my family's church, pastored by my uncle until retirement. I've heard a story about Cicely Tyson that makes me giggle, all my life.
Well, technically, the funny part is less about Ancestor Cicely and more about my mama's reaction to her. It's not a huge deal and is prolly only funny to *me*, but it's my connection to this legend, and it's the only time I get to shout out Bayou Goula, Louisiana. 
My mama encountered Soror Cicely sitting under the pecan tree in the yard one day after she got home from school, and Cicely had the "old lady" makeup on.
Now, if you have not seen the movie, here's what I'm referencing:
Now, if you have not seen the movie, here's what I'm referencing:
It was the early 70's y'all. Advancements in makeup have come a LONG way. As you can see, it looks nothing like Ancestor Cicely looked nor would have looked in 14 years. Jane Pittman was supposed to be 110 at this point.
Anyway, when my mama saw her in that makeup she BOLTED.
Anyway, when my mama saw her in that makeup she BOLTED.
My mother ran, full speed, screaming to the top of her lungs, from her mama's house to her daddy and stepmama's house two streets over. When they filmed the church scene everyone went to watch, but she stayed as far as she could away from Soror Cicely, still traumatized.
When I called her and told her about Ms. Tyson's transition:
"OH NO!! Aw, how old was she? She lived a good life.
*beat* Chiiile, I still remember that makeup..."
It made me laugh so hard & loud, I hope Soror Cicely heard it on the other side & got just as tickled as I did.
"OH NO!! Aw, how old was she? She lived a good life.
*beat* Chiiile, I still remember that makeup..."
It made me laugh so hard & loud, I hope Soror Cicely heard it on the other side & got just as tickled as I did.
Rest well, Ancestor Cicely. You were walking #BlackExcellence. Your talents were EVERYTHING. You were beauty before they knew what beauty WAS-even behind scary rubber makeup. May your journey to the other side be peaceful, & your reception home be as grand as you deserve.
