After Isaac Hayes died, his family and friends mourned the loss of a multi-talented entertainer who rose from the cotton fields of Covington, Tenn. to his own kingdom in Ghana, West Africa. But few knew him like Erma Clanton. For 36 years, the playwright, lyricist and teacher was his friend, confidant and surrogate mother, who fed him and provided a safe haven away from the media’ glare. Clanton is creative in her own right. She is the founder of “Roots, Rhymes & Righteous Times (An Evening of Soul)” and created and directed other shows such as “Listen Children,” “God's Trombones,” “Black Pearls of the World” and “Gifted & Black – On the Right Track.” She also writes original music. For her friend, she has written the following reflections on the private funeral services for legendary soul man Isaac Hayes held on Sunday before thousands celebrated his life on Monday during a special tribute.

"Amid the sadness and heartbreak that we all experienced at Isaac Hayes’ celebration on Sunday at Memphis Memorial Gardens, there was camaraderie, friendship, love and even happiness.

“With Isaac’s celebrity friends present, they joined his local friends, family and church members to say their last goodbye. There was a room for his family, a room for celebrities and one for Scientologists. No one could get in unless his or her name was on a list. They had it under control.

“Isaac laid there beautifully. He had on an African robe and beside him was a royal scepter (a staff held by a sovereign as an emblem of authority). He looked like a king, which he was.

“When the ceremony started, there were outstanding speakers who spoke sincerely and elegantly about Isaac. Al Bell, former owner of Stax Records, emceed. He did a magnificent job.

“Other friends of Isaac’s spoke. There was a deep sense of loyalty; some of them were unashamed and cried. People spoke from their heart. I was in the room with Denzel Washington, John Singleton, Wesley Snipes and Richard Roundtree.

“They all came to me and almost bowed. They thought I was Isaac’s mom, I guess. But John Singleton said I look edbeautiful for my age. He said black doesn’t crack.

“I was impressed with the eulogy by Rev. Alfreddie Johnson, a Scientologist. I always admired him as Isaac’s friend. There was so much controversy about Isaac’s religion. (But) Rev. Johnson was supposed to give the eulogy.

“There was nothing that held Rev. Johnson back from preaching the gospel. Rev. Jesse Jackson even stood. It was a beautiful ceremony, a feeling of oneness. Isaac’s wife, Adjowa, was so beautiful and gracious. I think she took it well. Princess Naa Asie Ocansey of Ghana was there and sat with Adjowa.

“Looking back, Isaac has been my friend since 1971. It was the first time I met him, and ever since, he was always concerned about my health and me. He was a wonderful friend until I embraced him as a son.

“He used to come to my home because I think it was a safe place for him, not that he wanted to hide. He enjoyed my cooking, especially the way I fixed cabbage. We lost a gracious, God-given man. And I’ll never forget Isaac.”

Read more on Isaac Hayes:

Farewell 'Isaac' and thanks
Isaac Hayes' Obituary by Erma Clanton
George Hardin on Hayes