Background: Part-time missionary and Rappahannock native who provides support for community residents and animals in need; regularly cares for stray cats, oversees llamas, goats and sheep at The Inn at Little Washington; with a green thumb, cares for gardens around the county. Family roots in the county date back to the late 18th century. Graduated Rappahannock County High School; six children, 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Lives in Washington with her husband.
The Spark: Whether it was providing food to the hungry or ministering to the sick or lonely, my mom and grandma were always there to help those in need. When we were little, my aunt would read from the Bible and grandma would always quote scripture that eventually inspired me and my sister to do good works. My grandma was fearless. I recall witnessing an incident at the old Pine Knot Inn where she was a cook. She broke up a fight between a couple of big fellas and sent them packing. Grandma’s combination of kindness and strength left a big impression on me. I developed a “missionary heart” with an ability to stand my ground.
Proudest Achievement: I’ve done missionary trips here in the states, Central America and Africa with the most rewarding being a visit last year to Uganda. I went with my cousin, who operates a missionary project there, and another woman from my church. We traveled to local villages, taking care of the homeless, distributing clothing, food and sundries. Everywhere we went we were welcomed with open arms. In one village, we put on a children’s Bible service at the local church where hundreds of kids showed up. The praise, the worship and the singing at that service gave me the feeling I had come home. The whole trip was awesome. I think we made a difference in those people’s lives. On a personal note, I am so proud of my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They are growing into kind, generous people.
Biggest Challenge: Some time back, I offered to help a homeless person here in the county and arranged for him to put up a tent on a friend’s property. Having had six children, 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, I have developed a lot of patience over the years, but taking on this gentleman turned out to be a huge challenge for me. He had a very strong personality, perhaps the most intense I’ve ever experienced. I tried to help him find work, get medical care, social services support and get settled. It was a real challenge for me to impart some goodness to him. After months of trying, things just didn’t come together. I arranged for him to return to his family for which he has expressed his gratitude. On a more personal level, I lost my oldest son, sister and more recently my mother. Dealing with these losses has been difficult but I am comforted that they are now in God’s hands.
Why It Matters: My main focus is my ‘man’ up there. God keeps me in line and has given me a calling to help others. My favorite scriptures are Psalm 91 and Luke 10:19-20 in the Amplified Bible. The first calls on us to embrace the Lord to receive his protection and our eventual salvation, and the second calls on us through our work to exercise our authority over evil. As a Bible teacher, youth pastor and community volunteer, I have espoused these teachings with the hope that others are inspired to come into God’s light and do good works for others.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: The open spaces, the mountains, the people and the quiet country life. I hope we can keep it the way it is.
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