[Posted Mar. 5, 2008]

Ministers Wives And Widows Annual Sweetheart Banquet

With the theme “African American Women in the Forefront, Dedicated to Service”, the annual Dr. Marie E. Wise Sweetheart Banquet, sponsored by The Inter-Denominational Minister’s Wives and Widows Alliance of’ Tidewater, was held Friday, February 8, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at The Edmonds Center in Portsmouth, Va.
  The program began with a musical prelude by Frank T. Elliott followed by the processional of head table persons. The toastmistress of the evening was Mrs. Iris Hodge, who introduced the head table guests. Rev. Dr. Mary Eady provided the invocation, the blessing and the benediction.
  Rev. Claudette McWilliams Blount, the president of the sponsoring Alliance, presented the Minister’s Wife of 2008. This year’s honoree is Mrs. Virgie B. Alston-Rodgers, the First Lady of Pulaski Baptist Church, Carrsville, Virginia where her husband, Dr. Robert E. Rodgers is the pastor. Mrs. Rodgers is president of the Sharon Missionary Baptist Women’s Auxiliary where Rev. Dr. Naomi Chambers is Moderator. The honoree received many accolades for her work as well as love gifts.

  After dinner, Mrs. Patricia Beamon introduced the speaker, Rev. Wanda Bolton-Davis, founding director of Victorious Disciples Ministries Inc of Dallas, Texas. Rev. Bolton-Davis spoke on how God created woman and the role that women must play throughout life. She cited the work of the Good Samaritan and used the subject “Who Would Dare to Care?”
  Ms. Brenda Liverman offered two moving selections with a Valentine theme. Rev. Claudette Blount gave the closing remarks.
  The unique souvenir booklet contained many salutes to the honoree as well as messages and photos recognizing many other First Ladies who are in the forefront with dedicated service.
  Mrs. Johnnie Fleming was chairperson of the Banquet Committee, and Mrs. Karen Earls was co-chairperson. Other committee members were Mesdames Ann Sumler, Sheila Woodhouse, Lynnette Jones, Demetria Ruffin, Ophelia Venable, Shirley Hart and Juanita Clay.

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