Maya Angelou continues to inspire (Twitpic/idil)

"She'd been very frail and had heart problems, but she was going strong, finishing a new book," Angelou's longtime agent Helen Brann told ABC News. "I spoke to her yesterday. She was fine, as she always was. Her spirit was indomitable."

In her 86 years, Angelou made a name for herself as a poet, memoirist and activist, using her command of language and empathetic spirit to help advance the goals of the Civil Rights Movement. 

Best known for her 1969 autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Angelou explored the complex intersection of of race, sexuality and family. While fellow freedom fighters were riding busses in Montgomery and marching through the streets, Angelou drew upon her own experiences to show the world just what it was like to grow up as a black girl in the South. 

Angelou was a writer whose works transcended literary communities, transforming the brutality of her childhood and her struggles as a single mother into a tale of inspiration.

In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded Angelou the Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor.

“She lived a life as a teacher, activist, artist and human being. She 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," said Angelou's son, Guy Johnson, in a statement.

In a time where all too often people turn to guns and wars to resolve their differences, Angelou leaves a legacy of words, word that can change a country, change a soul. 

READ MORE: Maya Angelou At USC: "Listen to the Poetry” 

“The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.” —Maya Angelou

“As human beings we are more alike than we are unalike.” —Maya Angelou

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” —Maya Angelou, “Letter to My Daughter” 

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” —Maya Angelou

“Living well is an art that can be developed: a love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings and assurance that the world owes you nothing and that every gift is exactly that, a gift. ” 

—Maya Angelou, “Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now”

“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” —Maya Angelou

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." —Maya Angelou

“To be left alone on the tightrope of youthful unknowing is to experience the excruciating beauty of full freedom and the threat of eternal indecision.” —Maya Angelou

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou

Contact Deputy Editor Sara Newman here. Follow her on Twitter here.