A packed house at the Troy United Women’s League Black History Banquet Saturday night applauded the contributions of 12 distinguished Pike County citizens and was inspired by the words of Overseer Daniel Richardson, former Pike Countian and senior pastor of Eagles’ Nest Ministries in Huntsville.

However, one speaker after the other praised the longtime service to community by the TUWL.

Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford expressed appreciation, on behalf of the City of Troy and the Troy City Council to the TUWL for its tireless efforts in making Troy a better place to live and work.

Isabell Boyd of Brundidge and club member also expressed appreciation to the TUWL for its support of education and young people throughout the county.

However, Sheila Deveridge, club member, said the night was not to honor the TUWL but a time for the TUWL to honor those who give unselfishly of their time and talents in an effort to make life better for others and a community that is the pride of all its citizens.

A highlight of the 21st Troy United Women’s League Black History Banquet was the awarding of plaques to 12 Distinguished Guests.

The awards were presented by club member Shelia Jackson.

“Happy, successful, fulfilled individuals have learned to live their best lives now,” Jackson said. “They make the most of the present moment and, thereby, enhance the future.”

Jackson said the Apostle Paul found God’s purpose for his life and, from it, came an incredible passion.

“Passionate people with great abilities act with boundless enthusiasm,” Jackson said. “Passion overcomes fear. The keys to a successful life are knowing who you are and what you are supposed to do. Without these keys, you are like an octopus on roller skates, a lot of movement and yet going no place.

“Such is the passion of our distinguished guests. Tonight we recognize 12 distinguished people because of the passion they display daily in doing what they do.”

Those so honored were Donta Frazier, City of Troy transportation director; Tammie Smith, Brundidge, after school coordinator; Fredrick Hill, Glenwood, retired auto worker; Nichelle Ware Simmons, Brundidge, City of Brundidge administrative assistant; Jonathan Deveridge, Troy, educator/coach; Tyronda Eutsey, Brundidge, East Central Mental Health case manager; Erica Starr Taylor, Troy, Frito-Lay DC, Orlando, operations manager; Dr. Noah Turner, mortician George Grubbs Funeral Home; Louis McMillian, Jr. Troy, Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer, deputy program manager for an intelligence and missile defense program; Eddie Bailey, Brundidge, chief custodian at Pike County High School; Alvin McClain, Shady Grove, owner, McClain’s Trucking, Inc.; and Ternisha A. Miles, Troy, assistant district attorney, Butler, Lowndes and Crenshaw counties.

The keynote speaker for the banquet was Overseer Daniel J. Richardson, an apostolic, prophetic visionary.

Richardson is the son of Essie Richardson and the late Deacon Garnell Richardson of Shady Grove. He is a graduate of Goshen High School and the University of Alabama School of Engineering.

Richardson is the senior pastor of Eagles’ Nest Ministries in Huntsville. He is a spiritual father and highly anointed and praised-filled servant of the Lord.

He encouraged the 400-plus who attended the 21st TUWL Black History Banquet to exalt the Lord at all times, in all things and in all seasons that God might be glorified.