Grace Baptist Church of Germantown May 5, 2021 THE GRACE BEACON

A Mother’s Day Salute From Our Senior Pastor The Offcial Mother’s Day Flower Is... a Carnation? Grace and Peace ! Whether you like carnations or not, some regard the flower as the official flower of Mother’s Day. “She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her While you might prefer roses, hydrangeas, or tulips tongue is the law of kindness”. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY— to present to Mom, there’s a history behind the HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY. This is a special month connection between carnations and Mother’s Day. and day for Mothers all over the world. Mothers are It all has to do with the “founder” of Mother’s so important because they are the central figure of Day in the United States, Anna Jarvis. She organized our existence. Here are ten things about the the first official celebration in 1908, and it became a importance of a Mother: national holiday in 1914. “She distributed 500 1.Mothers birth us into life. carnations at the first official service because they 2.Mothers are the emotional backbone of the were her mother’s favorite flower,” Rita Dancyger, family. owner of Joan’s Flower Shop in Chatsworth, 3.Mothers have that magic touch that heals our California, and floral partner of BloomNation says. wounds and hurts. “Historically, women wore a white carnation to Mothers make sacrifices that we may be able 4. honor a mother who passed away and a pink to appreciate the finer things in life. carnation to honor a mother still living.” 5.Mothers are forgiving. The carnation generally symbolizes love, with 6.The boundaries set by Mothers have made us better people. You may not like the decision, many of its color having different meanings. For but you have been delivered from something instance, red means deep love and admiration; white, she has prayed about. purity and good luck; and yellow, friendship. 7.A Mother sees and hears all of your most https://www.real simple.com/holidays intimate experiences. Why? Because she can look at you and tell and she can listen to you and hear. 8.Mothers are teachers and instructors on the ways of life. 9.Mothers are irreplaceable. trouble. And even when we did get in trouble, her loving 10.A M o t h e r ’s s m i l e c a n e a s e a n y correction taught us to be who we are. circumstances. These are just a few things I wanted to I hope that in this month you would reflect upon the communicate to you as we reflect on the teachings of your mother. If your mother is still here celebration of Mothers. Like me, many of us have or if you are a mother, make a memorable moment for had to watch our Mothers transition from labor to your children and grandchildren to be able to have and reward. It reminds me a song that was sung by Mr. hold as a cherished memory. James Cleveland entitled “I stood on the banks of Jordan”. Oh how I can remember those unscripted To all the Mothers, we love you all! days when my Mother would do or say something God Bless. to make sure that my family and I were in the crosshairs of favor rather than being caught up in Rev. Dr. J.Henry Buck, Jr. Senior Pastor

1 Honoring The Memories and Legacies of Those Fabulous First Ladies Who so Generously Shared Their Lives with GraceBaptist Church of Germantown

Elizabeth J. George Mrs. Mamie Hughes (November 24, 1923-February 7, 1998) Wife of Rev. Dr. Patrick Hughes "Safe in His Arms" -We miss You! 1915-1939 The George & Jackson Families

Almost 49 years ago God blessed me to Dr. Mary Henderson Wright marry my best friend and the love of my life, Wife of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Alvesta Wright, Sr. D r . J a n e 1939-1980 Murray Gilmore. Since then (and even before) she has done n o t h i n g b u t support me, encourage me, love me and make me so very proud to be her husband. And she has borne our three Mrs. Geraldine Saunders Jones wonderful children, all grown up now, whom she adores and cherishes together with our Wife of Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones son-in-law and grandson, and they all love 1980- 2013 her right back. She is the beautiful and talented matriarch of our family. Happy Mother’s Day, Sweetheart! I’ll love you forever. Mike 2 And the Legacy Continues… Hello My name is Parise and I’d like to submit a tribute to My children’s grandmother and great aunt, Ms Iris & Ms Paulette!!

I would like to show my respect, gratitude, and appreciation for Ms Iris & Ms Paulette! These leading ladies, which I have had the pleasure of knowing since 2009, have been such an asset to my and my children’s lives! They have both been incredible TEACHERS and women I am proud to say are a part of my family! With Ms Iris & Ms Paulette, I have grown to understand the meaning of “It takes a village...”I am thankful and have been thankful for everything they do and have done! Their consistent support has helped make motherhood, for me as a teenage mother into adulthood, a smooth transition. I will forever be grateful! I love you both! And speak abundant blessings Mrs. Jennifer Wilson Buck to you both, you deserve nothing but the best❤ Wife of Rev. Dr. J. Henry Buck, Jr. 2017 -

Mother - Mother’s Day Tribute Godmother - My mother… Mother’s Day Tribute she is beautiful, You mean the world to me softened at the edges Only a heart as dear as yours and tempered with a spine of steel. Would give so unselfishly. She is a queen, All the times you were there true to her God Shows how much you care. and always trusting on His Word. Even thought I might not say She is giving, I appreciate all you do always in the spirit of love. Richly blessed is how I feel Having a Godmother like you. Mother I want to grow old and be… Godmother Michelle J.P.Mack Lucille S. Pinkett Just like her. Myrna Pinkett Michelle J.P. Mack Marilyn Henry Iris Lewis Dec 2, 1937-Feb 19, 2009 Iris Lewis is our great grandma. Mother of 9, Grandma is funny and fun to be A crossword puzzle - no match for her mind. around. Right there with the stars above because she shined, She works hard and makes sure we Instant friend, she was one of a kind! act good. Lover of crocheting crafting outfits so very fine, She takes care of us. She buys us food Yoohoo her favorite treat anytime. and drink we like. None can compare to Marilyn who was all mine! She loves us. We’re her favorite Truly Missed, grandchildren. The Henry Family Nathan and Owen 3 TRIBUTE TO Julia Jordan OUR EARTHLY ANGEL

Mother’s Day always brings out the best and happiest memories. We will never forget her warm smiles, arms always available for hugs, a generous heart, her genuine self giving, a renowned journalist, her love and fear of God, dexterous skilled hands surpassing all others at cooking, baking and sewing. She blessed our lives and everyone she knew.

Deacon Sandie Jordan-Gordon and Julia M Culver

Wynelle Coleman Tribute to We thank you for being our rock, Catherine Pittman Massey: our greatest supporter, our shoulder to cry on, and the best mother in the Mother, Nana world. We love you! Who you are in our hearts and Samuel, Dana, Savannah, Sydney what you freely shared - love, Coleman faith, strength, support, laughter, and Jenea & William Stewart joy, accomplishment, elegance, grace, beauty, wisdom, energy, pride, and encouragement… truly Dana Coleman missed. from Angela, daughter and To our biggest cheerleader, wife Anthony Massey, son. and mother Thank you for all you do for our family. We love you! Sam, Sydney and Savannah Priscilla Custis Mrs. Custis

Happy Mother’s Day! I’m happy to have you as a part of my life. Dolores Stovall -R

Mom, My mom, Dr. Jane On this Mother’s Day I would like to publicly “Thank Murray Gilmore, You” for the love, guidance, compassion, and values is a force. She has always been a protector, you have devoted yourself to sharing with us and a champion, and a gift anyone around you. You are an example of the for my siblings and me. virtuous woman described in Titus 2:3 and we “Thank My prayer for this God for You”!! Happy Mother’s Day… Mother’s Day is that, unlike last year, she can Love, enjoy time with her Don and LaTonya family. We love her so! Janet N. Gilmore 4 Paulette Reed

Happy Mother’s Day, Grandmom

Thank you for always pushing me to be the best version of myself. Thank you for always helping me whenever I need it. I appreciate everything you do for me so that I can be as successful as I can be. Thank you, Grandmom Love, Chloe

My grandmom always has PopTarts for me because I love them. She takes me on fun vacations. I like to rub her fat arms. I love you grandmom. Deshawn

Happy Mother’s Day Grandma. I love you so much. You are the best Grandma anyone can ask for and I love you. You have always been there for me when I needed you and have helped me a lot and I thank you so much for that. You have been an awesome grandmother and a great teacher when I needed help with my math work. I just love you so much and I am very thankful to have you as my grandmother. Sabree

Deacon Emeritus Constance Maddela

Mom Alice Watson

5 Colette

TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER Mutongo

Clara E. Huggins Wi s h i n g a l l mother-figures To my Mom: o f G r a c e I know it is not easy for a woman to raise a man, Baptist Church and there is no way I can pay you back. of Germantown a " H a p p y I just want to let you know. Mother's That you are appreciated D a y " a n d I hope you believe in yourself. specifically, our dearly beloved As much as I believe in you. M o m a n d When life tries to knock you down Grandma Never forget that I will Always be your Son. Extraordinaire, Colette Arianne Mutongo! We honor you today, and And you will always be my Loving Mom. always, for being our pillar of strength, our resource My SHERO for support, and our packaged moments of joy. Love, We love you! your son Carey Edwards. Love always, Your Children and Grandbabies, Murine (Andre & Princess Valencia Chandler), Denise(Princess Reyna Lusakweno-Vasquez), Ivan, and Marcia

Mrs. Jennifer Wilson Buck We pen this letter as an open expression about our mother, Mrs. Jennifer Wilson Buck. Mom, you have been our help and our strength as we have been growing up and learning what it means to be children with the desire to be productive adults. We have watched you on the late nights and in the early mornings work until you have tired yourself out, just to make sure we have what we need and desire. We have watched you care for Dad on days when he has experienced rough moments, but you never let him become weary in his responsibility. The way you gently kiss him on his bald head and his attitude changes as if he can conquer the entire world. When you were diagnosed with COVID-19 it challenged us to see you having to close yourself off from us for a total of three weeks. We were so worried that whenever you were at rest, we would sneak a peek to see if you were ok. Dad kept reassuring us that you were going to be fine, but we had to see it for ourselves. After you came out of it, it really excited us that though you had been in isolation, we were thrilled to have you back. Mommy, we can say a lot of things about you and we are certainly glad that you are our Mommy and that you are married to our Dad. We just really want to say HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY and we LOVE YOU SOOOOOO MUCH.

Love, James H. Buck, III – Champ Jaida Jill Buck

6 Reverend Carmen Watson

Mommy, we are so blessed to have a mother like you. You have raised us to be the best that we can be and we appreciate all that you do! Praying God continues to cover and keep you!

Happy Mother's Day! - Nini and Jen

Mary (May Lee) Enoch! Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Do you have any idea of how loved you are? Grandmother, your love should be truly unconditional. You're honest and strong. We thank God everyday that you're here on Earth with us. My family reflects the effect of our Grandmother's love. With Love, The Family

Selena F. Gillespie Happy Mother’s Day to Selena F. G i l l e s p i e , t h e b e s t M o m a n d Grandmother EVER! We love you to the moon and back. xoxo J. Diane Bates Robin M. Gillespie, Linda Gillespie Everett, MD, Chad C. Everett and Autumn Quinn Everett

7 Iris Lewis A Mother’s Love by Brian Wallace and Felicia Wallace-Benton Aunt Iris, you’ve been with me from day one I’ve always felt like I was your son Your words of counsel and wise wisdom, too Let me know I could always count on you. The patience and faith you’ve had in me Let’s me know your love will always be. I love you, Ryan I love you, Aunt Iris. You are my I thank God for all you do and all you have to give. champion and I’ll always be For teaching us how to pray and teaching us how to live. “Your Chloe”

For teaching us about God when we were small For wiping our tears away, and for catching us when we fall.

Teaching us to love family and to always put God first For loving us at our best and loving us at our worst. There are many titles by which she is known: mom, grandmom, sister, aunt, For putting clothes on our backs and teaching us to try secretary, trustee, confidant, friend, but Teaching us to set goals and to always aim high. the best title of all is as My Grandmom, She is generous, kindhearted and For singing One Day at a Time while we sat in the sun. empathetic. She has been a blessing to Sacrificing so much for us so we can have joy and fun. all who know her. I know she’s been a blessing for me. I can count on her when For teaching us to aim for the stars, which we sometimes could I need her. I love you so much not see. Grandmom. And for giving us the encouragement to be the best we can be Love always, Dink Julia Wallace, You are the one we are writing of And for most of all teaching us of a mother’s love. To All My Friends and Especially My Sister Girls… Jackie Beamon My Yaya is the best person in the entire Universe. I love her HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! more than all the stars in the sky. We bake and she makes me laugh. I LOVE piano and shopping with my Yaya. You know her as Ms. May You Always Be Blessed, Jackie. To me she is Yaya, the greatest Grand mom alive. Sandi With Love, Pearlie 8 Paulete Reed Brenda Norman My Mother, my dear, Throughout my life, you’re always near. A tender smile to guide my way, You’re the sunshine to light my day. Of all the special joys in life, the big ones and the small, Your love is the greatest of them all. There is no blessing I hold so very dear As a mom like you to love year after year. Love, Ryan Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day to one of the most beautiful A heart full of gratitude is sent out to you for women in my life, my grandma, Paulette. She ’s always all that you are and all that you do. Thank you able to make me feel better when I’m down and always for being my teacher and guide for always shows how much she cares about me. She does so much being there to stand by my side. I will always for the ones she loves. I appreciate everything you do. depend on your support and your wisdom. I'm You deserve the world and more. so happy to not only have you as a mother, but as a friend. Happy Mother’s Day ❤ ❤ Love, Britney Angel (your first grandchild)

Aunt Paulette, You may me laugh and taught me to have a sense of humor. You made me listen to old school R&B and then I liked it. You are my entertainment auntie. I love you. Antoni (Dink)

Patsy Chester

A Mother’s Day Tribute to a Wonderful Mother...

Mom, There are not enough words to express our gratitude for your constant love, patience, encouragement and sacrifices. Thank you for being our first role model and melodically guiding us with your sweet, gentle spirit. We are truly blessed to have you as our mother and Kristopher’s grandmother.

We love you! Karla, Gina and Kristopher Chester

9 Nancy Mifflin Happy Mother’s Day to My Young Mothers, Especially: Happy Mother's Day. Magda, Jessica, Sharon, Karla, Murine, Denise, Tasha, Morgan Thank you for being an May your young ones bring you as much amazing Mother, joy as having you in my life has brought me Grandmother and through the years! friend. Love you all, Love, Happy Mother’s Day!

Kyle, Morgan and Khloe

To our extended family, Our Godmothers “AuntieMom”, “Gama”, “Auntie”, Sandi Johnson “Tee”, Aunt Sandi

Priscilla Custis

To our Mother and Grandmother,

Thank you for the love and support that you regularly show us. We pray that God will continue to sustain you through the days to come. Happy Mother's Day!

and Sandie Jordan Gordon Love,

Peter, Priscilla E., Thelma (Ryan) and As far we can remember you have been a major part of Joshua our lives. Throughout the many stages of life, we can always count on your continuous love, support, and creativity. You have always and continue to represent the true meaning of Godparents. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. We love you!

Karla and Gina Chester

10 Happy Mother's Day to Ms. Sandi Dr. Jane Murray Gilmore Johnson, Mrs. Selena "She is clothed with strength & Gillespie, Mrs. Jaqueline dignity...." She is known as Dr. Jane M. Gilmore. But to us, she Garden-Marshall, Mrs. Tasha is simply the STRONGEST Samuels, and to every Grace woman we know. Dignity personified. Classy, Fierce, Loyal woman who has had a continuous and Loving with a Spirit of Joy influence and impact in our families that abounds.. We’re blessed lives. We celebrate you today and beyond measure because of her Love. always.

Love always, The Mutongo, Lusakweno, and Chandler Families

Jacquelyne Gilmore Stallworth

In Loving Memory of Our Mother & Grandmother – Kay Frances Brooks If roses grow in heaven, Lord, Please pick a bunch for us and place them in our Momma’s arms. Tell her that we love and miss her every day. But there’s an ache in our hearts that will never go away. We Love You Momma!

Jackie Greene & Family

11 May Celebrations

*B 02 Sara L. R. Carter Blanford *B 02 Karla Dublin *B 07 Cora P. Barlow *B 07 James N. Jones ***M 10 Trustee Austin Harrison *B 10 Fannie Russell *B 10 Michael X. Samuels, Sr. *B 11 Mrs. Ruby L. Allen ***M 11 Louis Harper *B 14 Mildred Robinson **A 14 Walter & Peggy Vertreace *B 16 Emisha M. Williams *B 19 Christopher Haston Bowman *B 21 Edward Egerton *B 21 Adele Lucas *B 21 Carol Garrison *B 21 Kaylin Vertreace ***M 23 Naomi M. Pinkett *B 23 Jasmine Reese Wallace *B 26 Dr. Arnold D. Jackson ***M 27 Dr. G. Daniel Jones *B 27 William McQuillan, III *B 30 Kevin L. Jackson ***M 30 Mary Harris

(*Birthday**Anniversary ***Memorial)

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