2010 WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE CELEBRATION WINNERS


LAURIE CLARK 
"THE BOND OF SISTERS"
Laurie (pictured on the right) was nominated by her sister Jennifer Kapity.  Jennifer wrote, "I am a mother of 4 boys. My youngest two are only 17 months apart this has been a tough year for my family between financial problems, minor health concerns, and a husband that works endless hours. My sister who has had struggles of her own has come to my aid time and time again. She faithfully comes and helps with the housework and the kids during the week when she gets off work. Her prescence alone has been an encouragement as I have felt many times I am just surviving this season in my life. My sister has completely come alongside of me and lifted me up. She will never know what condition I would be in had she not been by my side this past year. My sister and I have been through a lot together. Losing our brother and other struggles in life have brought us together and the bond we have will not be broken. I love my sister!
 
 EDNA KURRY 
"A GRANDMOTHER'S LEGACY"
Mrs. Kurry was nominated by her granddaughter Jill Salicos. Jill wrote, "She not only stepped up to help raise her siblings then raised her own children, but also raised my brother and me when our mother left. I was not yet three years old. She was the very epitome of strength, love and family. From her I get my strength to keep going on days I'd rather hide in bed. From her I get my values and morals and good sense. I also don't litter because of her. She recycled back before it was the thing to do. She loved me without condition and I am a good person today because of her. She continues to influence my life and things I do. I am always amazed by this as I didn't think about what she said or did as being profound while she was alive. She just lived her life..."

   


 























 

 TAMARA MILLER (19 & older category)
"CELEBRATE YOUR DAUGHTER"

 "To GOD be the glory, great things HE has done" ! I am so greatful to even be able to "nominate" my daughter Tamara, who is now 30, & a "Bride-to-be", for I almost died giving birth to her. In the process of becoming that "fantastic woman", the LORD used Tamara's love for animals in helping to develop her character. She has become a woman of quiet strength, sensitive to the feelings of those around her, being compassionate & caring, always trying to encourage. She has had to face many difficult challenges, in which she learned how to trust in the LORD, & continue on in HIS Strength. She has helped me to learn & understand - as a mother - the importance of just listening. We can share confidences, as well as be honest & open with each other. We have much fun & laughter together & we have those special "secrets" that only we two know about in a crowded room. We share a common bond of love in CHRIST. We can hold each other accountable as well as encourage & comfort each other. No matter where we are, we are always connected - because of CHRIST. And now, as she will be getting married & moving away, we will still be together in spirit & unity of Heart ! I celebrate my Lovely Daughter, who strives to be a "Woman after GOD's own Heart" & I thank my LORD & SAVIOR for allowing me to see this take place ! - by Debby Miller
ALIYAH KEFFER (13-18 yr. old category)
"CELEBRATE YOUR DAUGHTER"
Aliyah's mom Christine wrote, " I prayed for over 15 years for a child. God saw fit to let us adopt our daughter, Aliyah, at the age of 7. Now that she is 14, I can see how God placed her with us. She is a blessing to me and our family. She has faced challenges that would make some grown adults fall apart, yet she seeks to do God's will in her life. I see her striving so hard to be a modest, polite, elegant and honest young woman. She learned at an early age that sometimes you have to sacrifice yourself for others and she seeks to do that, even helping around the house (laundry is her big thing). She has a tender heart for her lost friends and prays continually for them. I love watching how God is working on her and teaching her. I know one day we will be friends but until then I love being her Mother."



 
























 

 JULIE POURCIAUX 
"A MISSIONARY'S SACRIFICE"
Phylicia Perry wrote, "I met Julie almost 4 years ago when we were both members at Trinity Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Ironically, she and I both moved away at about the same time. I moved to Wisconsin, which is the furthest I’ve ever lived away from family, but Julie had me beat by a mile... actually by quite a few THOUSAND miles. She moved all the way to Nairobi, Kenya. Julie has been in Kenya for almost two years. She teaches 5th grade at an international Christian school in the town of Karen, works with the AWANA children’s club, and leads ministries for single ladies at her new home church. I love Julie’s adventurous spirit, her “pack up and go” attitude, and willingness to serve God wherever he chooses to send her."

 











 

OLLIE NELSON
"THE SELFLESSNESS OF A CAREGIVER"
 

The person I'm nominating is my cousin Ollie Nelson. Ollie is one of a kind. I remember growing up thinking how pretty and classy she was. Ollie used to live in Chicago when I was a little girl. She loved socializing and having a good time. I'm not sure when she moved back to Mississippi but when she did, she remarried and also started raising her grandson, who was quite a handful. After Ollie's husband died, she moved back to Meridian, MS in 2000. Her parents were aging and her father was also in a wheelchair. Ollie found a job with the Meridian Fire Department as their receptionist. She takes care of the firemen just like they are her own kids. Everyone loves Mrs. Ollie, even the firehouse dalmation. Ollie knows how spoil everyone.  When Ollie moved back to Meridian in 2000, she moved into her parent's small shotgun house. She knew that they needed more living space with her father being in a wheelchair, so she bought a larger house for them to live in.  She always says that she will do what she can to help, and she means it. Ollie is always trying to make things easier for someone else. I'm nominating her because I feel that something nice should be done for her. - by April Rackley