International Order of The King's Daughters and Sons

112th VIRGINIA BRANCH CONVENTION
Theme: "Amazing Grace"

Guest speaker: Kenneth "Swift Eagle" Custalow of the Mattaponi Tribe in West Point, VA

To learn about the Mattaponi Healing Eagle Free Health Clinic, a project supported by many women of the York River Circle in Gloucester, VA, click here.

Award Recipients:

Pictured below are Mary Jo Robins, Founders Award recipient and Nancy Layng, Unsung Hero award.

Mary Jo Robins was a skilled and revered school teacher for 27 years. She retired in 1977, and her former students still approach her with fond memories. Her family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gather at her home whenever possible and look forward to the special dishes prepared just for them. Each generation has experienced the safety and comfort of her steadfast faith and love.

Mary Jo has been a lifetime member of her Church where she and her husband instilled the importance of knowing and experiencing God to their children and neighbors. She initiated a class for young adults which bears her name. She has served on every committee imaginable and continues to teach Sunday School and support the Church in many ways. She has been a member of the United Methodist Women all of her adult life and is active in a local Woman's Club.

This kind lady continues to serve others in her family and community by providing transportation for neighbors to the local grocery store or beauty salon, or offering a meal, kind words, encouragement and advice when asked. (And she's asked often!)

Mary Jo has been a King's Daughter for twelve years and is always willing to serve where needed. The number one quality she possesses as a King's Daughter is consecration to the King. She is a spiritual, devout Christian leader with rousing enthusiasm for everything she undertakes and is well known for her beautiful devotionals. She is especially interested in missions as she has grandsons who are in mission work, as well as a daughter and son-in-law who are pastors.

This faithful King's Daughter recently celebrated her 91st birthday. Mary Jo is truly a gentle woman with high standards who provides an example of uncompromising deep moral values and unwavering love of God. Her family and the members of the Chesapeake Bay Circle consider themselves blessed to call her their own.

Nancy Layng is a member of Chesapeake Bay Circle. She is always eager to help with any Circle project, including Children's Hospital, Literacy, Autism, and the Healing Eagle Free Clinic. Recently she played a major role in an auction to support the Circle's special projects. She has been a member for eleven years and is always mindful of the Circle's goals. She ensures that fresh flowers from her garden are on every table at luncheon meetings. Although she freely gives of her time, financial resources, and energy, she will never take credit for her work, preferring to remain in the background. For all she does in her unassuming way, the "Unsung Hero" Award is presented to Nancy Layng.

Pictured above: Mrs. Elva D. Gerlach (98) has become the newest member of the Chesapeake Circle in Mathews,VA.