GEORGETOWN S.C.- The Georgetown District African Methodist Episcopal Church Sons of Allen honored several local Georgetown County women recently at their 15th Annual Tribute to African American Women.
The celebration was held at the National Guard Armory.
Sherry Renee Frazier, Bessie Greene and Dottie Purvis Evans were honored as outstanding women in the community.
The Sons of Allen honored them with a plague that read, “Thanks for the dedicated service you provided to Georgetown County. You've labored faithfully in God's vineyard, for what seems a lifetime.”
The recipients were also praised for their accomplishments.
Evans previously worked as an executive director of the Gordon Development Center, executive director of the Hopewell Senior Day Care Center, and the administrative secretary for Blakely elementary and high schools.
Evans is married to the Reverend McNeil Evans Jr.,, and they are the parents of seven children and grandparents of nine.
Frasier was instrumental in organizing the first Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in 2001.
She volunteers with the Community Food Bank.
Greene is a member of St. Mary AME church.
She has assisted the Annie Village community with its transformation from an area that utilized well water to an area that's now receiving county water for residents.
She's also an advocate for the Annie Village water sewage project.
She's the wife of Associate Minister Daniel Greene and the mother of six.
The theme for the Tribute to African American Women was "Women of God, Using Prayer Effectively.”
The guest speaker was Roger Clerkley.
Clerkley was the first African American to serve as Auditor in Orangeburg County, and the longest serving local elected official in Orangeburg County.
His message was "The Power of Pray.”
He spoke about Ester in the old testaments and challenged the guest to take time to read the book of Ester.
"I've had some praying ladies in my life,” Clerkley said. "I also married a praying lady.”
This year the members of the Sons of Allen surprised their coordinator with a plaque in recognition of his late wife Clara Grate who died from breast cancer last year.
The plaque symbolized the pink ribbon for those who have battled cancer.
The Sons of Allen also honored Jimmie Green, the husband of the late Carolyn Green.
He was also given a plaque in memory of his wife who also died from cancer last year.
Representative Carl Anderson (D-Georgetown) presented a $200 check to Grate.
Recognition was also given to new pastors of local churches.
Sandra Ladson was given flowers as a new pastor of St. Mary's AME church in Pawleys Island.
Randy Gamble entertained the guests with music and sang a rendition of "Wade in the Water, God's going to trouble the Water."
He played several gospel pieces while dinner was being served.
"Each year we try to do something for the women of the District and county, showing them a class act and letting them know that we appreciate them,” Gamble said. “Women are a vital part of an organization, and the backbone of a family.
By Rounette Johnson
For The Times
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