When the folks at Elysian Magazine asked if I knew any Charleston chefs, I said “Well, I know a fabulous Lowcountry Gullah cook who has been cooking for Johns Island’s Rural Mission for over 30 years.” The next thing you know, I am calling Doris Sease (daughter of my beloved Tootsie) and arranging a photo shoot on our property on Johns Island. The magazine just came out this week entitled, Continuing a Legacy. Be sure to pick up a copy of Elysian Magazine and read this wonderful article.
Writer, Abby Derring and photographer, Josh Norris captured the essence of Doris’ 
passion for community work, church and cooking.
The article included the historic Moving Star Hall where members “sang with their whole body.” Tootsie was a member of the Moving Star Hall Singers; a group proclaimed as the ‘bearers of the oldest layer of Afro-American cultural expression in America’. I remember when Tootsie performed at the Smithsonian and in other prestigious places across the county. Doris began cooking when Tootsie began touring.
I loved reading old island names like Janie Hunter, who is featured in the article since she told Gullah stories in her effort to keep traditions alive. This article combines what those of us remember and respect about the old Johns Island-community, church, and amazing Lowcountry cooking. Thank the Lord for Doris and her love of cooking and serving others-just like Tootsie.
To read more about Johns Island and its cultural roots, get a copy of Elysian Magazine. You will be blessed!
You can Pre-Order, “Rhinestones on My Flip-Flops.” Click HERE
