(WINSTON-SALEM) -- A memorial service was held Saturday morning at Wake Forest University for Dr. Maya Angelou, who was a professor of American Studies at the college. She is also known for being a novelist, producer, filmmaker, civil rights activist, among other titles.

Angelou passed away last week at the age of 86. Her grandson Elliott Jones was the first speaker to the podium. He read part of his grandmother's well-known poem, "Still I Rise."

"Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise"

Former President Bill Clinton also spoke at the service. He said that she taught the world an important lesson. "She called our attention to the fact the things that really matter - dignity, work, love, and kindness - are things we can all share and don't cost anything."

Many others shared thoughts and memories of Dr. Angelou, including actress Cicely Tyson and Oprah Winfrey.