Maya Angelou Dead: Twitter Remembers Influential Poet As A 'National Treasure'

100105955 — Dr. Maya Angelou attends her 82nd birthday at a party with friends and family at her home on May 20, 2010 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Steve Exum/Getty Images

Famed author and poet Maya Angelou who died Wednesday morning at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina was commemorated on Twitter by scribes, celebrities, sports stars and politicians in a way that seemed fitting -- by sharing her words.

Angelou’s son, Guy B. Johnson, said in statement posted to Facebook on Thursday that his 86-year-old mother “was a warrior for equality, tolerance and peace.”

“The family is extremely appreciative of the time we had with her and we know that she is looking down upon us with love.”

On Twitter, Angelou quotes were shared by those who appreciated the poet, whose work had a strong influence on the civil rights movement. Angelou was remembered as a “national treasure,” an inspiring figure and “one of the greatest women this world has ever known.”

Here's a sampling of the tributes paid to Angelou on Twitter:

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be." Maya Angelou - who was utterly amazing.
- J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 28, 2014

Her words, poetry and stories were so stirring. And her activism was inspiring. Sad to read about the passing of Maya Angelou. RIP.
- Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) May 28, 2014

Maya Angelou GOD bless you and keep you. We will NEVER forget your inspiring life of overcoming all..... Rest in Peace.....
- Maggie Q (@MaggieQ) May 28, 2014

RIP Maya Angelou. Your words have changed peoples thinking & sometimes their behavior. Thank you for sharing your life with so many.
- ERIK ESTRADA (@ErikEstrada) May 28, 2014

“Maya Angelou was the quintessential renaissance woman of the 20th century art and human rights movements."... http://t.co/RJTj1jC3St
- Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) May 28, 2014

Rest with the angels, Maya Angelou. pic.twitter.com/iPNSvui8BL
- Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 28, 2014

RIP to one of the greatest women this world has ever known. Thank you Maya Angelou for all of the gifts and knowledge you gave us...
- Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) May 28, 2014

"Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time." ~Maya Angelou pic.twitter.com/IT4ydyjBWq
- Ram Dass (@BabaRamDass) May 28, 2014

“Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.” -The courageous & inimitable Dr Maya Angelou pic.twitter.com/EbZqjfWIXN
- John Conyers (@repjohnconyers) May 28, 2014

“Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.”-Maya Angelou. RIP.
- Bill McDermott (@BillRMcDermott) May 28, 2014

And now we have a Queen Angel, rest Maya Angelou, thank you for your many gifts...
- Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) May 28, 2014

Thank you, Maya, for your power, your politics, your poetry. We need you more than ever. Rest in peace.
- Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) May 28, 2014

Also, let it be known that Maya Angelou had a tour bus. Because she was a fucking rock star.
- Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) May 28, 2014

We have lost a national treasure. Writer, poet & civil rights activist. Her words inspired us all. R.I.P. Maya Angelou
- Jose E. Serrano (@RepJoseSerrano) May 28, 2014

RIP Maya Angelou So sad in this turbulent time to lose one of the most beautiful voices of love and reason we've... http://t.co/gfXcq8k1xq
- Alonzo Bodden (@AlonzoBodden) May 28, 2014

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