The East Bradenton Woman’s Club Celebrates 100 Years of Service to Manatee County
The East Bradenton Woman’s Club held a 100th Anniversary(1922-2022) Celebration on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at the Terra Ceia Bay Country Club in Palmetto, Florida.
Club members and invited guest were Welcomed by Club President, Johncyna McRae and enjoyed a program, Chaired by Dr. Patricia Grimsley that included an inspirational essay by Chaplain, Joann Surrency, the history of the club and a candle light Tribute to the club’s Triumphant Members by Club Secretary, Deborah Thomas and a formal Tribute & poem to our Founders by Club Vice President, Dr. Patricia Griimsley. The occasion was given by Jacqueline Lewis and music was provided by Valerie Bowden.
Everyone enjoyed an buffet lunch and dessert. Centerpiese floral arrangements in the Club’s Colors of Yellow and Green were at each table.
The East Bradenton Women’s Club was founded in 1922 by a group of Christian women members of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida. They were involved in performing acts of kindness for the sick and shut-in and doing civic and benevolent work in the community. Their motto was, “Lifting As We Climb”. The women were instrumental in persuading city officials to install the first traffic signal on Ninth Avenue (now Martin Luther King Blvd.). Some of the first members included: Alice Bacon, Flora Cotton, Mary ivory, Nona Bell Martin, Leumitia Martin, Pauline Reed, Annie Rock, Ethel Roinson, Nettie Tripp, Celie Washington, innie Washingronk, Annie Luck Williams, and Bessie Williams.
Today’s club members who are the daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins and friends of the original founders, continue the traditions that these women started: fostering friendship amount its members, performing acts of kindness for people in our community, donations to community charities, and giving book awards to high school graduates who are attending college. Club members worship together once a year at various churches in our community and fellowship together at social gatherings. A club tradition of a “Christmas Savings” was started by our early members as a fun activity and a way for members to save for Christmas giving.
East Bradenton Women’s Club Members Pictured L-R front row:
Jacqueline Lewis, Vandalia Jones, Joann Surrency, Delores Gibbs, Charlie Mae Owens, Cheryl Freeman, Valerie Bowden, Deborah Thomas, and Dr. Patricia Grimsley,
L-R back row: Shirley Jenkins, Johncyna McRae, Deborah Lee, Cheryl Holloway, Cheryl James, and Wanda Gilbert. Not pictured: Juanita Adams, Ollie Kay Adams and Lucille Hamilton.
