Page 65 - LEAH 27 SHINE 2020: First Edition Issue One.pdf

On a cold winter day in December of 2002 in a small town known as Johnstown, Pennsylvania, I was initiated into

this beautiful order. Little did I know that on that day, it was part of God’s plan for me to be initiated into a Chapter

known at that time as Allies Chapter No. 52. Thank you to Jacqueline Taylor, Past Worthy Matron, and chapter

mentor. God has given you your heavenly wings and I miss you. I know you are smiling down at me saying. “I told

you, you can be anything you want to be in this organization as long as you continue to work hard and stay

committed.” To Joyce Bethune, Past Worthy Matron, Allies Leaf Chapter No. 45, thank you for always being there for

me and being one of my biggest support systems and always taking hold of the reigns to forge to help me in every

way, thank you for being on this journey with me. To Loretta Carter, Past Worthy Matron, No. 45 thank you for being

my first friend in the chapter and assisting me with understanding the order. Sister Denise Raiford, you have been

special since we met, thank you for all the special things you do to assist me with during this journey, and to all of

my

chapter members, we are small but we are mighty thank you for your constant support and being a good foundation.

Thank you so much Grand Worthy Patron, Juan Summers and Past Worthy Matron, Marian R. Summers. I regard

you

two as my family and I am thankful for your friendship. Grand Worthy Patron Summers I appreciate your strong

ritualistic work ethic and your ability to maintain the integrity of it. Who would have thought as we served together

as District Lecturer and District Deputy Grand Matron in 2009 – 2011 we would be taking this journey together. God

has a plan for everyone, and his plan is good.

Thank you to the Jordan and Harris administration, your leadership and determination to G.I.V.E. which showed us

that giving from our hearts is what really matters and speaks to people the most.

To the Grand Associate Matron, Paulette V. Askew and Grand Associate Patron, Dr. Stanley Jones, you are our

assistants with your hands, eyes, and ears. We ask that you work closely with us in carrying out our administration

and continuing our pledge of the betterment of Deborah Grand Chapter. We need your continue support and we

welcome working more closely together.

To the Grand Line, thank you for your support. Our plan is to work together in unity and peace. To always share the

good, the bad and the indifferent so we can learn from one another. To continuously lift one another up and NEVER

tear each other down. Most of all to stay connected on all levels in the spirit of Sisterly and Brotherly Love while

respecting one another and always keeping an open line of communication and honesty.

To the Grand Secretary Michele Taylor and Grand Treasurer Jonora Eggleston, thank you both for your support. You

both have been amazing in assisting me whenever I needed, whenever it was asked. I remain grateful. To all fiscal

officers, thank you for retaining your position in support of Deborah Grand Chapter and this administration. Your

commitment has shown me your true love for this order.

To Past Grand Worthy Matron, Carolyn Dees Williams, thank you for all the wonderful and informative materials you

provided me. I will cherish them forever. You may be out of sight but never out of my mind. In 1995 – 1997, before

my introduction into this order you were already learning “Unity and Progress on Deborah Express” with the Lowery

and Washington Administration. In 2003 – 2005, “S.T.A.N.D.” in Strength True, Accountability, Nurture,

Determination, was the theme with the Henry and Evans Administration. In 2005 – 2007, we were all ready and on

board to “Ride the Wave of Change” with the Robinson-Ervin and Hayes Administration.

Through some of these administrations we had the misfortune of having a moment of silence and pause.

The link became unhinged and our chain was broken by death, but in 2012 – 2014 we learned to understand the

“Path to a Brighter future while Embracing our Past” with the Harvey and Lee Administration and to never forget

where we came from. In 2014 – 2016 we started to adopt “I am my Sisters and Brothers Keeper in Unity and Love,”

with the Proyer-Jones and Brown Administration. Then in 2016 – 2018, we were on fire with the flame that taught us

“Fraternal Love and Members Education,” with the Montgomery and Washington Administration and education was

key in 2018 – 2020 we saw the urgency to “G.I.V.E,” through charities and help one another with the Jordan and

Harris Administration. All