Aunt Hager Williams

Sandy

Aunt Hager is Sandy's grandmother and primary caregiver, providing him with moral and spiritual guidance.

Ma Bailey

Aunt Hager and Ma Bailey are mother and daughter, sharing a close bond rooted in faith and family tradition.

Annjee

Annjee is Aunt Hager's daughter, and their relationship is marked by tension over Annjee's choices and Hager's expectations.

Harriett

Aunt Hager worries about Harriett's rebellious path, but loves her unconditionally as her youngest daughter.

Moses Jenkins

Aunt Hager and Moses Jenkins are married, sharing a long partnership built on mutual respect and hard work.

Jimboy

Aunt Hager is fond of Jimboy as her son-in-law, but worries about his influence on her daughter Annjee.

Sandy

Aunt Hager is Sandy's grandmother and primary caregiver, providing him with moral and spiritual guidance.

Harriett

Aunt Hager worries about Harriett's rebellious path, but loves her unconditionally as her youngest daughter.

Ma Bailey

Aunt Hager and Ma Bailey are mother and daughter, sharing a close bond rooted in faith and family tradition.

Sandy

Aunt Hager is Sandy's grandmother and primary caregiver, providing him with moral and spiritual guidance.

Annjee

Annjee is Aunt Hager's daughter, and their relationship is marked by tension over Annjee's choices and Hager's expectations.

Jimboy

Aunt Hager is fond of Jimboy as her son-in-law, but worries about his influence on her daughter Annjee.

Storm

Aunt Hager senses the storm coming, prays for her children, and later helps comfort Mrs. Gavitt's niece after the cyclone.

Conversation

Aunt Hager prepares breakfast, receives the letter, and converses with Sister Whiteside about family and community.

Jimboy's Letter

Criticizes Jimboy's return, calling him a loafer, and scolds Annjee for staying up late.

Thursday Afternoon

Rises at sunrise to do washing; argues with Harriett about her conduct and tries to prevent her from going out.

Guitar

Listens to the music and requests Christian hymns, eventually goes to bed after the singing ends.

Work

Aunt Hager is doing laundry under the apple tree and scolds Jimboy for not working, but he and Sandy ignore her and go fishing.

VII: White Folks

Sits on the porch in the evening, argues gently with Jimboy about Sunday church, and counsels Harriett to pray for white folks rather than hate them, drawing on her own experience in slavery.

Dance

Forbids Harriett from leaving the house after dark as punishment, then leaves to help Sister Lane who is hemorrhaging.

Carnival

Attends the revival nightly, quarrels with Jimboy, and tends to Sandy's injury with a bacon rind remedy.

X: Punishment

Sandy's strict and religious grandmother who threatens to whip him for lying and misusing his Sunday School nickel.

XI: School

Continues her laundry work, scolds Jimboy for leaving, and expresses frustration over the cost of school books.

XII: Hard Winter

Takes in extra washing to support the family, cares for Annjee, and scolds Sandy.

XIII: Christmas

Aunt Hager manages the household finances, visits Brother Logan to borrow money, and tries to maintain Christmas traditions despite limited resources.

Return

Continues washing and ironing despite her age; warmly welcomes Harriett home but is hurt by her decision to stay elsewhere.

One by One

Expresses sorrow as Annjee leaves, saying 'One by one they leaves you,' and vows to raise Sandy right.

Nothing but Love

Tells Sandy stories of her past, including her time with Miss Jeanne, and imparts her philosophy of love and forgiveness.

Children's Day

Aunt Hager praises Sandy's industriousness, insists on cleanliness before the park trip, forgives the park owners, and comforts the children with watermelon. She also receives Annjee's letter read aloud.

XIX: Ten Dollars and Costs

Expresses disapproval of Sandy's hotel job, but reluctantly agrees. Later, she is devastated upon reading about Harriett's arrest and prays for her daughter.

Note to Harriett

Falls gravely ill; is attended by the doctor, lodge members, and family.

Beyond the Jordan

Dies peacefully after a brief illness; her funeral is a major community event.

Tempy's House

Aunt Hager is deceased, but her memory haunts Tempy, who is ashamed of her mother's apron-wearing and humble ways. Tempy recalls how Hager was barred from entering the hospital through the front door, and she wishes Hager had dressed more respectably.

Elevator

Remembered by Sandy for her dreams of his greatness, contrasting with Annjee's lack of ambition for him.