Transcript:
W. E. BURGHARDT Du BOIS
THIRTY-ONE GRACE COURT
BROOKLYN 2, N. Y.
June 26, 1957
Dear Shirley:
I have been meaning for years to set down some wishes about my funeral exercizes. But it’s a bit grewsome task and I’m always feeling well enough tothink that putting the matter off a bit wont hurt. But today after James Ford’s funeral, I am reminded that I must do at least this little to ease your task when the end comes.
Of course I want the ceremony short and simple.. I would prefer it not in a church, unless Howard Mellish is still at Trinity. Otherwise a hall or funeral home would be best. Sometime ago I asked Samuel R. Delany, Hubert’s brother, to take charge, 2250 Seventh ave. But do as you please. There is no obligation.
I would prefer no flowers but perhaps one large evergreen wreath.; a plain black casket, possibly with silver trimming; but simple, no waste.
The music might be:
Two or three Negro spirituals: chorus, one strophe and one repetition of the chorus, no more:
“Let us cheer the weary Traveler”
“Brethren, my way, my way’s cloudy”
“My Lord, what a Mourning.”
Then Schiller’s Ode to Joy, Beethoven’s music
Finally, one of the great Funeral Marches: Saul,
Siegfried, or some other; on piano or recording
Finally, one, certainly not more than three short talks; Colored and white; Howard Mellish as minister if available. I think of no other minister, colored or white; perhaps a woman if you think of one.
The enclosed message might be read, or some other which I may compose later.
The burial on the Yale Campus, next to my grandfather. All this is but a suggestion. Change it as you think best. But don’t stress religion or immortality or Jesus Chris or the Good God. The good life at present and progress in the future is what I want stressed.
I love you
W. E. B. Du Bois
P. S. Of course you will see that Yloande, Du Bois and any child of hers have a prominent place.
Enclosure:
IT IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT IN THEORY THAN ACTUALLY TO SAY THE LAST GOODBYE TO ONE’S FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES; AND TO ALL THE FAMILIAR THINGS OF THIS LIFE. I AM GOING TO TAKE A LONG, DEEP AND ENDLESS SLEEP. THIS IS NOT A PUNISHMENT BUT A PRIVILEGE TO WHICH I HAVE LOOKED FORWARD FOR LONG YEARS. I HAVE LOVED MY WORK [& HAVE PEOPLE] AND MY PLAY BUT ALWAYS I HAVE BEEN UPLIFTED BY THE THOUGHT THAT WHAT I HAVE DONE WELL WILL LIVE LONG AND JUSTIFY MY LIFE; THAT WHAT I HAVE DONE ILL OR NEVER FINISHED CAN NOW BE HANDED ON TO OTHERS FOR ENDLESS DAYS TO BE FINISHED WHILE I REST. AND THAT PEACE WILL BE MY APPLAUSE. ONE THING ALONE I CHARGE YOU AS YOU LIVE AND BELIEVE IN LIFE ALWAYS HUMAN BEINGS WILL LIVE AND PROGRESS TO GREATER BROADER AND FULLER LIFE; THE ONLY POSSIBLE DEATH IS TO LOSE BELIEF IN THIS SIMPLY BECAUSE THIS GREATER END COMES SLOWLY: [JUST] BECAUSE TIME IS LONG. GOODBYE.
W. E. B. Du Bois
26 June 1957
Du Bois, W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt), 1868-1963. Letter from W. E. B. Du Bois to Shirley Graham Du Bois, June 26, 1957. W. E. B. Du Bois Papers (MS 312). Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries. https://credo.library.umass.edu/view/full/mums312-b160-i480.
Du Bois, W. E. B. (William Edward Burghardt), 1868-1963. The last goodbye, June 26, 1957. W. E. B. Du Bois Papers (MS 312). Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries. https://credo.library.umass.edu/view/full/mums312-b160-i481.