History

History of Vance ~ Warren Association of Minister Wives & Ministers Widows (Interdenominational)

Current leadership from 2024-2025 are left to right: Clara Henderson, Sarah Johnson, Coretta Henderson, Irene Ware, Mary Walton, Porcha Brooks, Magnolia Jackson, Corinthian Davis, Addie Alston; Not Pictured: Betty J. Ramey, Latashua Hargrove and Cheryl Stith.

Meet Our Founders

In 1983, a group of inspired ministers’ wives met in the home of Rev. Roland and Doris Perry. This meeting gave birth to The Vance-Warren Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows (Interdenominational). Officers elected were President Dorothy Cromwell, Vice- President Bettie Smithwick; Secretary Doris Perry; Treasurer Valeria Alston’ Chaplain Susie Faison and Program Chairperson Pam Tait. Monthly meetings were held at the homes of members.

The organization is a member of the North Carolina State, the Southeast Regional, and International Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows. Officers and members attend both the state, regional, and national conventions.

Growth and Development

In 1987 Mrs. Bettie Smithwick one of the founders became president. During her presidency, services and banquets were held at various churches. In June 1993, the Association hosted the 43rd State Convention in Henderson.

Mrs. Valeria Alston was elected President in 1998 and served until June 2006. She was married to the Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Alston, who preceded her in death. Under Mrs. Alston leadership the Vance-Warren Association held their First Prayer Breakfast, and the First Women Conference. Rev. and Mrs. Alston allowed the organization to meet monthly at their church, Holy Temple Holiness Church. Mrs. Alston was an active member in the North Carolina Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows Interdenominational. She served as the state photographer and taught several classes. Mrs. Alston remained a dedicated member of the Vance-Warren MWMW after moving to Texas until her demise in 2022.

Ministers' Wives & Widows Landmark Conference

Strong leadership Maintains Growth of MWMW During Challenging Times

From Sept. 2018 until her untimely death in 2020 Mrs. Celeste Brown served as our President. She was a dedicated treasurer before becoming president. She orchestrated many fundraisers events that kept the organization financially solvent. She worked diligently on numerous committees on the state level as well as on the local level. She was the chair of the state Nominations committee and elected Dean of Education in 2020.

After the death of Mrs. Celeste Brown, Mrs. Mary Walton became Vance-Warren MWMW President. She was currently serving as Vice-President.

Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the years 2020-2022 were extremely challenging. In-person gatherings were discouraged. Therefore, monthly meetings, annual community services activities, Hour of Power, and our annual Christmas Program were conducted via Zoom.

Ministers' Wives & Widows Community Engagement

Our organization donates to the Vance and Warren foster care program and provides gift cards and other needed supplies to the Central Children Home residents in Oxford. We also donate to ACTS to support the Back-Pack Buddies Program that gives selected school-age students a bag with food items that will last them through the weekend.

Every year our organization awards Scholarships to Vance and Warren County High Schools seniors. We also work in conjunction with the Terry Family and Dr. George Hood. The Dr. Hilda Terry Scholarship Fund for seniors in Warren County and Dr. George Hood Scholarship Fund for seniors in Vance County were created, which enable the association to present two students from each county with scholarships.