What’s motivated you throughout the years?

Well, I just love people, and I have a knack for helping them to both see the good in each other and make progress together. For example, I had the idea for a BEMC Member Advisory Committee years ago, which is in effect today, and its purpose is to make the co-op better by listening to the needs of our members.

At the root of it is my faith, my calling. I gave my first sermon when I was nine, in my grandparent’s back yard. I was under the tree, preaching off the cuff to my brothers and sisters and cousins, when my grandmother stopped me and said that’s not the way. So, I sat in the swing with her, and we read part of the Book of Genesis together. When we were done, I went back under the tree and finished the sermon the right way.

Now, in addition to leading Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, I am moderator of the Ocean View Missionary Baptist Association, keeping harmony among the 10 churches, advisor to their Women’s Auxiliary Mission Department, and president of their Sunday School Convention. I’m also secretary of the Winnabee Masonic Lodge 786, Past Potentate of Wilmington Consistory #63, and Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 599. I’m also a member of the Civietown Fire Department Board; my son volunteered me, he was too busy.

What brings you the most joy in life?

Just being around people! I have three sons and two daughters, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. There’s always a birthday or anniversary to be celebrated, and they try to keep me young. My oldest granddaughter is ten, and she just couldn’t understand what my flip phone was, so it was time for a smartphone.

I can’t sit still, I have to stay busy. Sometimes I do meet myself coming as I’m going around the corner. I like to take care of business with a good heart and have fun doing it. I always say, where there’s no fool there’s no joy!

And there’s always more work to be done. I love children, and at church I’m Reverend Uncle Herring, or Grandpa. We have a Head Start now at church where we serve 60 children each day, three- and four-year-olds. It’s just lovely.