Marjorie. They never imagined how special she would be.

At the age of 12, Marjorie had already decided that she wanted to become a doctor. She graduated from Hunter College with a degree in physics and chemistry in 1937 and she later earned a master’s degree in psychology from Columbia University. She then attended Howard University Medical School from 1938 to 1940 where she met and married Rev. Frederic Meyers and they relocated to Detroit.

Marjorie became the first Black woman to graduate from Wayne State’s medical school and the first Black woman to intern and then become chief resident at Detroit Receiving Hospital. After completing her residency, she entered private practice with the late Dr. Eugene Shafarman. It is believed to have been the first interracial private practice in Detroit. Her office was located on John R. Street near the Art Institute, her office was a stone throw from the legendary Hastings Street.

I had a special connection with Dr. Meyers because several of my family members were patients. Leitha and Mary Bostick, who would eventually become sister-in-laws, were hired as office personnel and my future mother-in-law, Leila was a regular patient that helped the doctor’s fee considerably because of the employee family discount.

Dr. Meyers continued making history, from 1959-1960, she served as the first female assistant editor for the Detroit Medical News and was the first woman appointed to the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission. Ford Motor Company appointed her chief physician where she would be responsible for the health of 3,500 employees. She eventually retired in 1985 at the age of 70.

Dr. Meyers received numerous awards including Michigan’s Outstanding Physician in 1968, Distinguished Warrior from the Detroit Urban League and was acknowledged as one of the 100 notable Americans in 1986. She was also inducted into the Michigan State Women’s Hall of Fame.

Dr. Meyers was involved in numerous civic and humanitarian causes. She served as president of the Michigan Diabetes Association and sat on the boards of Michigan National Bank, Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Marjorie Peebles-Meyers’ lifetime journey ended at the age of 86 on Dec. 26, 2001 from a stroke. Surprisingly, at the same place the journey began, Receiving Hospital.

When downtown near Nicolet Street, I would periodically run into her and converse. I have been blessed to have so many historical people pass through my life and this is why I love being the conductor of the Memory Train.

MORE MEMORY THOUGHTS


Three years ago this month I started 37 radiation treatments at Karmanos and believe it or not, it was a wonderful experience. I learned to be patient, spiritual and that I have a passion to help others by educating and motivating men to get their prostate exam. Most importantly, eating healthy and visiting a doctor on a regular basis.

It is very flattering to get the calls, letters, and people stopping me on the street, letting me know how much they enjoy reading the “Memory Train.” I really appreciate the comments. However, many of these articles are already written and I am just refreshing history. Nonetheless, I appreciate it.

I would like to thank Maiden House Ministries for the wonderful job they have done in changing the lives of so many people. Before I go, my daughter Kristel and her husband Raphael made the entire family proud. Last week they appeared on the “Today Show.” They are very successful people in the corporate world.

Until next time, I’ll plant U now and dig you later. Peace and chicken grease!

Hugh can be contacted at (313) 872-3437 or e-mail Hughburrell@aol.com.