Mother B reads a poem at Africa Unite
Cedella Booker, the mother of Jamaican music legend Bob Marley, passed at her home in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday 8th April. She was 81 years old.
Strongly grounded in Rastafari, Cedella - known affectionately as Mother B - was first a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was also performer in her own right, recording solo and collaboration albums and performing in the United States, Jamaica, Europe, Mexico and Africa. In addition, she wrote Bob Marley, My Son, a book that celebrated her son's life.
"I can't put into words the extraordinary bond between mother and son that cannot be broken. My mother was a rare woman that was loved by everyone she met and I know that she is in the hands of Jah, and will never be forgotten here on earth," said her son, Richard Booker.
Cedella honored the spirit of her son Bob Marley as the founder of Movement of Jah People, an organization that benefits the underprivileged in Florida and the Caribbean. Dedicating her life to the Rastafarian religion and her family, she showed the world a peacefulness and love that she shared with everyone who surrounded her.
"Since a young child, my grandmother showed me the meaning of love, life and laughter; she embodied them everyday, all the time. I will miss her and keep the gifts she has given me close to my heart forever," said Cedella Marley, the late Bob Marley's eldest daughter.
Among her many achievements was the adoption of the Nine Mile Basic School in St. Ann parish on the northern coast of Jamaica. Nine Mile was the birth place of Bob Marley, who was also laid to rest in the parish. The school is now called the Cedella Marley Booker School in her honor. Cedella was also associated with the Rhoden Hall Basic School in the south of Jamaica and Eight Mile Basic in St. Ann.
"Cedella was one of the most powerful women I've ever known," says Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records. "She served as the matriarch of the entire Marley family, ensuring that Bob's rich legacy would survive to touch and motivate each generation. We will all miss her energy and drive."
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Nine Mile Charitable Foundation. This Foundation was established by Mrs. Booker for the purpose of providing education to the children of Nine Mile.
Checks may be sent to:
Nine Mile Foundation c/o Peter Fedele 5800 Suncrest Drive Pinecrest Florida 33156