Our Cake Lady: A Collection of Lessons Learned, Recipes, and Loving Memories from My Mama

By Pamela Teel Wright

The name “Lucille” means “light” or “daybreak.”

This name was very appropriate for my Mama, who brought much light to our family and to those who knew her. Her talent as a cook and cake baker was well-known; however, she was so much more. My Mama also shared unconditional love and words of wisdo

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Aug 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781640884342

Book preview

Our Cake Lady

a collection of lessons learned, recipes, and loving memories from my mama

Pamela Teel Wright

Foreword by Lydia Ann Haley, daughter of the late author Alex Haley

Dedication

Mothers have a special place in our hearts. From birth, my Mama was instrumental in many ways in shaping me into the person I am today. She taught me many lessons. However, it wasn’t until she was ninety-three years old and in a rehabilitation facility that I began to realize and think about all the many lessons she had taught me. What started out as a tribute for Mama’s funeral and a booklet of her recipes has been expanded to become my first published book.

I thank God for giving me a Mama who demonstrated her love for us, and who affected my life in such a positive manner. One way that Mama showed love to us was in family celebrations—particularly on birthdays, at Sunday dinners, and at Christmas.

It is with great joy that I dedicate my book in memory of my Mama, Lucille Evonne Matkins Teel.

Table of Contents

Foreword 9

Acknowledgements 11

Introduction 13

Lessons Learned 17

Mama and Her Mother 27

The Family 29

Mama’s Recipes

Mama’s Hints 33

Desserts 35

Vegetables 63

Meats 67

Congealed Salads 73

Special Treats 75

Memories

Family Memories 79

Parable for Mothers 87

Epilogue 91

Foreword

In the late 90s, having recently moved from a large metropolis to a small town in North Carolina, I found myself in the throes of adjustment, wondering whether the right choice had been made in the transition. In the midst of this, my mom asked me to drive to a house in Burlington, N.C., as there were some people she wanted me to meet who had known my dad, the author, Alex Haley.

So, off we went—with me having no idea that this upcoming encounter would develop into lifelong friendships. It was my first meeting with Connie Teel Johnson and her daughters, Tracy, Tammy, and Tonia. On subsequent visits, I began meeting other members of the Teel family, and eventually I came to meet Pamela Teel Wright and the very much loved Ms. Lucille.

Ms. Lucille was always warmly welcoming. In her home you never felt like a stranger, but apart of the family. She loved her family, and in return, they adored her. The house always smelled of something good. Having been blessed to have shared a few meals prepared by Ms. Lucille, I can recall one of the first meals she shared with me. It was ham (so neatly cut and laid out on a platter), potato salad, cabbage, and homemade rolls. I know I ate more than I should have, and the food was delicious. Ms. Lucille cooked in the Southern tradition, where every ingredient was fresh.  It brought to mind my grandma and aunts who have long since passed on.

Pamela Teel Wright has honored her mother in such a loving and deserving way. I’m certain she can now see what a blessing she was given to have grown up in a loving, nurturing family, under the tutelage of Ms. Lucille. Thank you, Pamela, for sharing these wonderful recipes, memories, and lessons learned. 

Lydia Anne Haley

Kintekidd Clan

Acknowledgements

I must begin my acknowledgements by giving honor to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is no way possible this book would have been written without Him leading and guiding me. I never thought of becoming a writer, much less publishing a book. My initial intent was to gather a few of Mama’s recipes and put them in a booklet for family members and those close to my Mama. There were times when God brought back to my remembrance special memories about my Mama. Many of these memories and lessons learned greatly enhanced my life and book.

I appreciate the support and love of my husband, Edwin Dean. Although he sometimes didn’t fully understand what I was doing on the computer, he gave me space and encouraged me.

To my daughter, Deanna, who is precious and sometimes reminds me of my Mama. Deanna has always been my cheerleader when I take on special projects. I love you and appreciate your support.

To my father, John D. Teel, who died on October 12, 2019 at the age of ninety-nine and a half (just two months shy of one hundred). The death of his wife, Lucille, was a monumental adjustment. He persevered and managed to live without her for a little more than six years. When my father chose Mama, he picked a winner! Dad, I love and