Looking back on your 70 years of life, what's a personal achievement or moment that you're particularly proud of?
One of the most significant moments I am incredibly proud of happened in my small town of Warrenton, GA, back in the early seventies. During a time when none of the stores were integrated, our local 5 & 10 cents discount store expressed a desire to integrate. The store owner approached our high school principal to recommend someone of the Black race to work at the store. To my surprise, the principal asked my mother if I would be interested in the position. Being the first Black individual to be allowed to work there, I accepted the opportunity. I remained employed at the store until I completed high school in June 1972, after which I left town to attend college.
Another proud and poignant moment occurred during my junior year of college. Despite juggling a heavy schedule of classes, with a particular challenge in Chemistry, I had to make the tough decision to go home when my mother fell seriously ill. I spent a week with her while she was in the hospital. Tragically, after returning to college, I received the heart-wrenching news that my mother had passed away. However, my dearest friends, led by my friend and cousin Yvonne, had already arranged for me to return home that same night, a 216-mile round trip, with the help of another close friend. Despite my offer to pay them for their trouble, they refused to accept anything. I returned to college after the funeral, as it was near the end of the Spring Semester. Remarkably, I not only passed but excelled, earning a grade score of 100 points on my Chemistry exam. And the story doesn’t end there; a few weeks later, I had to take The Regency Test, an exit exam required by the College before graduation, and I passed it too. All the glory belongs to God for guiding me through these challenging times and leading me to victory.
Could you tell us about your individual creative passions and how they've played a role in shaping your life?
As a child growing up, I keenly observed my mother’s awareness of my interest in trying different recipes. She was the one who gifted me my first cookbook. I would visit the library to copy recipes, and from a very young age, I enjoyed helping my mother in the kitchen. My love for cooking led me to decide that, as I graduated from high school, I wanted to attend college and major in Home Economics. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to teach in my field, God placed me in situations where I could create colorful dishes and desserts.
Share with us how your faith and your involvement in the Church have influenced your personal growth, relationships, and values.
My acceptance of salvation in Christ in October 1980 has profoundly shaped my life up to the present day. It has deepened my involvement in the church and my home. The Lord has blessed me with personal growth, a close relationship with Him, and a strong sense of purpose. Through reading, studying, and obeying His word, I’ve come to understand what it means to be a part of God’s salvation. With the power of God within us, we can have faith and ask Him to order our steps, and He will guide us. Along this journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people I would never have crossed paths with if it weren’t for God’s divine plan. He places people in our lives with whom we develop a special affinity as we get to know each other. By following God’s lead, He takes us to places we could have never anticipated. I have a profound love for serving in the church, feeding the saints, and being part of the church community. I am grateful for everything God has done for me.
As you approach this significant milestone, what are your personal hopes and aspirations for the years ahead?
As I approach this significant milestone in life, my personal hopes and aspirations are to have an even closer walk with God, an even greater love for people, the church, and to see our children and grandchildren saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost.
