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2012 Convention Highlights

2012 Convention FYI Newsletter (PDF)

 

 

National Court Board

Vertelle A. Kenion

OFFICE: Supreme Lady

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

The thirteenth Supreme Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary is an entrepreneur, community activist, fundraiser for nonprofits and organizer. Since 1980, she has been an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Ct. 110 and is a member of the Meritorious Fourth Degree Division, Ladies of Grace, Father Egbert J. Figaro Chapter 45. She has served our Noble Order as District Deputy, President, and Area Deputy of the Gulf Coast States; Grand Lady, Treasurer and Financial Secretary of Court 110. From its inception she served as Editor and Advisor of the FYI. She is an active and dedicated member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where she serves as Lector, Catechist, a member of the Pastoral Finance Council and Building Committee. She also serves on the Diocese of Charleston Office of Ethnic Ministry Advisory Board. Her affiliations include: YWCA Greater Charleston, NCNW, NAACP, Trident Urban League and the MOJA Arts Festival Planning Committee.

Gracious Lady Kenion has worked in the private, public sectors and non-profit organizations. While employed by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Charleston County Career Developers Program she designed a career education program for “Unwed Teenage Mothers” and a prevention program addressing the “Dilemma of Children Having Children”. She resides in Charleston, SC and is married to Brother Melvin L. Kenion.

Hilda Lucille Edna Theresa Wiltz

OFFICE: Vice Supreme Lady

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2006

A 25 year Claver member from our Mother of Mercy Court # 75 of Rayne, LA. Gracious Lady Wiltz is a 14 year member of the Meritorious Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace, St. Paul Chapter #3. She has served on the national, state, and local levels of the organization in various capacities. She has been serving the Order, her community, and the Church as a community liaison and facilitator, lector, and Eucharistic Minister since her youth group days. She is always willing to render a prayer or lend an ear; to serve the membership to the best of her ability. Lady Wiltz holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL). She is employed as a Patient Activity Coordinator for the state of Louisiana.

Debra Gray Bridges

OFFICE: National Secretary, KPCLA

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

Debra Gray Bridges has been a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary since 1982, and is a dedicated and caring member of Little Flower of Jesus Court 160 in Monroe, LA. She has served our Noble Order as Grand Lady, Vice Grand Lady, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Jr. Daughter Counselor, Lecturer, Board of Trustees, District President, District Recording Secretary, State Secretary and Area Deputy. She chaired three major State Conferences in Louisiana and co-chaired a Jr. Expansion Project. Lady Bridges served as Convention Secretary and as a member of the Convention Secretarial Administrative Assistant Team. She is currently employed by the University of Louisiana at Monroe as Administrative Coordinator for the Department of Health Sciences. Lady Bridges is the first African-American to receive the National Healthcare Administrative Assistant Award. She is Church and community minded holding various offices in Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Church and board memberships in her community. She is currently working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education and is a Certified Professional Secretary/Administrative Assistant.

Marie Johnson

OFFICE: National Treasurer, KPCLA

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

A member of the Father Bernard Hall Court 354 of Grand Rapids since 1987, Lady Marie Johnson has also been a member of the Saint Andrew Cathedral Parish since 1976. Lady Johnson has served the Knights of Peter Claver over many years in various capacities, including Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, as well as Lady of Prayer. She is an accomplished business woman, and presently is President and CEO of a signing title and escrow company, a partner in two convenience stores, trustee of several irrevocable trusts and representative payee. An active member in both her church and charitable communities, Lady Johnson has served as a member of the parish evangelization committee, lector, choir member, usher, and clothing shelter ministry. She also was elected a Democratic Precinct Delegate in the 3rd Ward of Kent County, Michigan, and serves on the board of the South Hill Neighborhood Association.

Candace Procter

OFFICE: National Lay Board Member, KPCLA

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

Lady Candace Procter is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Court #247 and has been a Claver for 16 years. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Lady Procter is currently employed as a Processing Resource for the Frito-Lay Kern Plant where her responsibilities include continuous improvement of business results and training to ensure continuous development of her team members. She serves as a basketball coach and mentor for children in grades K-12 within her community.

Katie Guidry-Johnson

OFFICE: National Counselor of Jr. Daughters

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

Lady Katie Guidry Johnson is a lifelong member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and a 16 year member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Court 141 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She has served the order in many capacities: Junior Daughter Counselor, Louisiana State Jr. Daughter Directress, Louisiana State Senior and Junior Conference General Chairperson, Area Deputy, Junior Daughter Area Counselor, National Emerging Leader Committee Advisor, Southwest Central Committee District VI President, and St. Katherine Drexel 4th Degree Ladies of Grace – Chapter Faithful Purser. She is the recipient of the following awards: The Silver Medal of Merit, National Jr. Daughter Counselor of the Year, National Expansion Award – Jr. Ct # 141, Supreme Lady Special Expansion Award – Jr. Ct. # 141, St. Katherine Drexel 4th Degree LOG-Gracious Lady of the Year and District Lady of the Year Award.  Lady Johnson has also worked many years with the Big Brother-Big Sister program and is an active member of the National Association of University Women – Lake Charles Louisiana Chapter.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from McNeese State University where she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences.  Lady Johnson is employed by Sowela Technical Community College in Lake Charles as an Information Technology Instructor. Lady Johnson is married to Van O. Johnson.

Dr. Geralyn C. Shelvin

OFFICE: Immediate Past Supreme Lady

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2006

Dr. Shelvin is the twelfth Supreme Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.  She previously served as the Supreme Navigator of the Meritorious 4th Degree Ladies of Grace and a host of leadership positions in the organization.  She is a member of St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church. Her current affiliations include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Immediate Past Chapter President), National Council of Negro Women, National Council of Catholic Women, Sigma Theta Tau International (Honor Society of Nursing), Lafayette Chapter of The Drexel Society, Incorporated (Charter member/President), and the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the Diocese of Lafayette. Professionally, she is a registered nurse presently employed by the United States Government, Department of Veterans Affairs. She is married to Sir Knight Thomas S. Shelvin.

Janice M. Gray

OFFICE: Central States District Deputy, KPCLA

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2008

Lady Gray comes from a family who has been a part of the Knights of Peter Claver for over 60 years. My leadership started as a Jr. Daughter in Okmulgee, Ok and has continued with 23 years of service to Deacon Charles Bright Court #261, Denver, CO and 5 years as a member of Hazel D. Broussard Chapter #42. Offices I’ve held, Area Deputy, Financial Secretary, Finance Committee Chair, Vice Grand Lady, District Treasurer for 6 years and District President 4 years. Lady Gray is employed with P2 Energy Solutions (Oil and Gas Software) for 12 years and has spent 24 years as an oil and gas accountant.

Eva M. Volter

OFFICE: State Deputy of Texas, KPCLA

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2010

Eva M. Volter is an Educator of thirty-one years. She was blessed to acquire her foundation with this Noble Order as a Junior Daughter from a group of strong Claver Women within Court 63. “Trustworthy, Loyalty, Obedience, Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity have been a blueprint for her execution of serve to God, the Church, our Noble Order and Commuanity. She is providing a Christian Foundation and a progressive blueprint through initiations, fellowship and workshops in the state of Texas.

Renita Lloyd-Smith

OFFICE: Western States District Deputy, KPCLA

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

Lady Lloyd-Smith serves as the 14th District Deputy of the Western States District Ladies Auxiliary.  She has served the Order as a Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Grand Lady, Area Deputy, Conference Vice President and Conference President.  Employed as a fundraiser and campaign coordinator, she works for the largest church in the largest Archdiocese.  Known as a visionary leader, she has been recognized provincially and internationally for her works on behalf her community.  She has served through a variety of volunteer positions with JustFaith, World Youth Day Pilgrimages, Holy Cross Africa Mission, Habitat for Humanity and with various churches and non-profit Boards.  She serves as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Youth Minister and is a graduate of the Catholic Bible Institute at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.  Energetic and innovative, Lady Lloyd-Smith consistently contributes to the growth of the Order by educating and informing herself and members about the issues, advocating for action with integrity and accountability

 

Barbara Birds

OFFICE: Gulf Coast District Deputy, KPCLA

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

Barbara J. Birds a committed and dedicated member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies’ Auxiliary.   She is a thirty-two year member of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Court #110 in Charleston, South Carolina.  She has served her Court as Grand Lady, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Junior Daughter Counselor.  She is a member of the Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace, Father Egbert J. Figaro, Chapter #45, where she served as the chartered Faithful Navigator for six years, now serving as the Faithful Comptroller.  Offices held on the Gulf Coast District level include District Directress and Treasurer.  Lady Birds is a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, where she serves faithfully as an usher.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Charleston Southern University and is employed at the Medical University Hospital of South Carolina.  It is her desire to serve our Noble Order to the best of her ability and glorify the Lord through her service.

Cheryl Williams

OFFICE: Louisiana State Deputy, KPCLA

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

Gracious Lady Cheryl Williams is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church and Evangeline Court #49 of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. She has served the Noble Order as Financial Secretary and Finance Committee member, Teche Central District III Vice President, Louisiana State Conference Secretary and 1st Vice President, and Co-chaired the Louisiana State 2012 Conference.  She is Past Faithful Navigator of St. Catherine of Sienna Ladies of Grace Chapter #16.  She has received many honors and awards for her contributions to church and community.  Lady Williams earned a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science Degrees from Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  She is a strong supporter of various religious, civic and social groups.  She is co-owner of an Adult Day Health Care center. Lady Williams is married to Sir Knight George J. Williams.

Lena Young

OFFICE: Northern States District Deputy

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2012

Lena F. Young is an Educator of 36 years, who retired from the Chicago City Colleges System, and is currently employed as the Director of Student Services at Taylor Business Institute.  She has been a faithful and diligent member of Holy Angels/Corpus Christi Court #200 for 26 years, serving in various capacities on the national, district and local levels.  She is a member of Adele Stadeker Chapter #12, 4th Degree Ladies of Grace.  Currently she is the Church Secretary, a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Pastoral Council at Holy Angels Catholic Church.  She is a facilitator for the Archdiocese of Chicago's Protecting God's Children Program.  She is always willing and available to lend a helping hand or ear, whenever and to whoever is in need. She does all "In the Name of Jesus."

Audrey Woods

OFFICE: Supreme Navigator, Ladies of Grace

YEAR ELECTED TO THE BOARD: 2008

The eighth Supreme Navigator of the Meritorious Fourth Degree Ladies of Grace. The Knights of St. Peter Claver has been an integral part of her life beginning at Mother Katherine Drexel Ct. #59 as a Jr. Daughter. She was later initiated in Court #59 and has been a member of Iona Beateaux Ct. #240 for over 25 years where she previously served as Grand Lady. She has also served as New Orleans Central Committee District I President, Louisiana State Board Member, State 2nd Vice President, State 1st Vice President, and State President. In the Meritorious 4th Degree Ladies of Grace Division, she served as Captain and Faithful Navigator of M.L. Lunnon Chapter #4. Lady Woods earned a B.S. degree from Arkansas AM&N University and a Masters of Education from Southern AM&N University in Baton Rouge, LA. Lady Woods is married to Meldon Woods, they are the parents of four children.

 
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