What does Mama Merryfield represent in the novel, Walking to the Bus-Rider Blues?

Mama Merryfield personifies the themes of dignity, family, and loyalty. She has survived chronic economic deprivation but has been rewarded with the love and respect of her community. A Tuskegee Institute graduate, Big Mama stands six feet and six inches, describes herself as "Strong as an ox," and is kind to everyone. Almost ninety years old, she cleans houses to earn money to care for her great-grandchildren whose mother abandoned them. Her husband, Reverend Marcus Merryfield, was taller than his wife and respected for his preaching. The couple was known as "the Gentle Christian Giants," and people recalled them skillfully dancing the Charleston. Marcus died after contracting lockjaw during a flood, and Mama Merryfield took care of their three "gems," Diamond, Ruby, and Pearl. Mentioning that the two daughters died in an automobile accident suggests that at one time the Merryfields might have had access to more financial resources.