Saturday, January 19, 2013 was the National Day of Service, in which people across the country were encouraged to volunteer their services for a good cause. All over the nation, people were seen in their various communities sprucing up areas, including schools.
It was also a day of remembrance for the women in the service--oriented civic organization, The Baltimore City Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc..
The leaders and members of the club paid tribute to the 23 women who were members of the club, but have since passed away. The memorial service, led by club president Darleen Thomas, involved a candelighting ceremony during which each person's name was called and a yellow rose (the club's symbol) was presented in their memory.
Deceased members remembered were: Past National President Rosalie McQuire, Past Governors Edna DeCorsey Jonson and Delores Thornton and members Mary Allen, Verna Day, A. Bernice Hunley, Victorine Adams, Julia March, Margaret Jones, Elveria Richardson, Frances Chapman, Effie James, Elizabeth Diggs, Jeanette Johnson, Vay Polston, Alice Thomas, Mentora Thompson, Lillian Ross, Olivia Carter, Audrey Hightower, Eleanor Gwynn, Ella Stovall and Anna Young Smith.
Service songs sung during the ceremony included, This Little Light of Mine and Climb Every Mountain.
The group collaboratively spoke of the purpose of the organization and the impact the deceased women had made within the club.
After the candle lighting ceremony, the members of the club recited their pledge as they reaffirmed their dedication to the organization.
As some ladies, though no longer present, were remembered, the club was continuing to grow. In a subsequent ceremony, the group inducted newcomer club members Ramona Jenkins and Ashley Lawrence.
Membership chairperson Joan Murphy officiated over the ceremony. Once the ceremony was completed, the inductees were pinned and welcomed into the group by the membership at large.
The club celebrated with light refreshments which included a welcome cake.
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