A Tribute to My Mentor, Kerry Vincent

Julia M. UsherFounder and Host, Cookie Connection; Owner, Recipes for a Sweet Life

Hi, all! I have some very sad, but important news to report. Earlier tonight, the venerable Kerry Vincent, the Queen of Cakes, passed away, leaving a gaping hole in the sugar arts community.

You may not know it, but my connection to Kerry ran deep. She was my first and only mentor, turning me onto cakes in 1995 through her impressive body of work, and then later giving me a platform at the Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show to allow cookiers to shine. While she started out as a mentor, she ended up a confidant and very dear friend.

Kerry taught me many things, but I will most remember her for the confidence and opportunity she gave me to let my creativity - and that of the cookie community - flourish. One day, I hope to be able to pay forward even a small fraction of the abundance she brought to me. And, one day, I hope you too will all find mentors who have the kind of positive and indelible impact that Kerry had on so many.

Thank you, Kerry. I love you and will remember your generosity, talent, and verve forever.

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1/2/2111:19 PM

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ZeenaGobbler

This is so sad Julia. I first started decorating cakes and have admired Kerry's work and own her books. Such a talented lady. It is such a loss to the cake decorating world, I am sure. May she rest in peace.

1/2/2111:56 PM

SugarDotCookiesSuper Gobbler

Awwww. So sorry Julia. How fortunate you were to have her.

1/3/216:18 AM

Sweet ProdigySuper Gobbler

Such a sad loss to the sugar arts community. From all that I have read and seen, she was a wonderful human being.

1/3/218:21 AM

Julia M. UsherFounder and Host, Cookie Connection; Owner, Recipes for a Sweet Life

@SugarDotCookies posted:
Awwww. So sorry Julia. How fortunate you were to have her.

I was - and she touched so many in the same way. I am seeing this all reveal itself in the many memories posted to social media in the last few hours. Amazing lady!

1/3/219:18 AM

Julia M. UsherFounder and Host, Cookie Connection; Owner, Recipes for a Sweet Life

@Sweet Prodigy posted:
Such a sad loss to the sugar arts community. From all that I have read and seen, she was a wonderful human being.

She was a tough (but fair) cookie on her baking shows, but such a generous giver behind the scenes.

1/3/219:19 AM

Bakerloo StationSuper Gobbler

What a tough month. My heart goes out to you, Julia, especial, but also the entire sugar art community. We have lost a giant. Thank you for continuing to carry the torch for the rest of us, Julia. xo

1/3/214:00 PM

Julia M. UsherFounder and Host, Cookie Connection; Owner, Recipes for a Sweet Life

@Bakerloo Station posted:
What a tough month. My heart goes out to you, Julia, especial, but also the entire sugar art community. We have lost a giant. Thank you for continuing to carry the torch for the rest of us, Julia. xo

I know - such a huge legacy she leaves. So hard to carry any torch through times like this.

1/3/214:57 PM

Cookies FantastiqueCookie Queen in Training

Oh Julia, I was so saddened to hear of Kerry's passing. Thank you for the wonderful post about the impact she had on your creative journey and the warm friendship that developed between the 2 of you. The connections we make in the sugar art world run deep and last a long time (whether or not you ever meet your mentor or dear friend).

I join Christine @Bakerloo Station, with her comments about the personal loss for you and the loss for the entire sugar art community. Thank YOU for continuing in her footsteps. You have a huge heart for sugar art, yes, but more importantly...for people ❤️. Words fail to express what a huge influence you have in my own journey. May your heart be comforted at this difficult time ❤️❤️ Hugs...

1/3/2110:22 PM

Julia M. UsherFounder and Host, Cookie Connection; Owner, Recipes for a Sweet Life

@Cookies Fantastique posted:
Oh Julia, I was so saddened to hear of Kerry's passing. Thank you for the wonderful post about the impact she had on your creative journey and the warm friendship that developed between the 2 of you. The connections we make in the sugar art world run deep and last a long time (whether or not you ever meet your mentor or dear friend).
I join Christine @Bakerloo Station, with her comments about the personal loss for you and the loss for the entire sugar art community. Thank YOU for continuing in her footsteps. You have a huge heart for sugar art, yes, but more importantly...for people ❤️. Words fail to express what a huge influence you have in my own journey. May your heart be comforted at this difficult time ❤️❤️ Hugs...

Aww, thank you, sweet lady! 😘

1/3/2110:46 PM