To get Aunt Effie to follow her doctor's advice to exercise, Mama persuades her to join a tap dance class at the Senior Citizens Center. Mama soon takes over the class, forming a troupe of blue-haired hoofers that becomes the toast of Raytown.
When Mama is one of only two people at cousin Ludie's funeral, she dedicates herself to planning a suitable funeral for herself, which will require their savings for a vacation at the Grand Canyon and for her to bow out of the bowling competition.
A tornado traps the Harper family, Iola and Effie in the basement on Thanksgiving day.
Mama finds a girlie magazine under Bubba's bed.
After Fran dies, Mama is set on giving her a perfect sendoff.