William Daniels was recognized for his Excellence in Ministry by his church, Manakin Episcopal Church  Bill Daniels, Senior Warden at Manakin Episcopal Church, is an extraordinary and gifted leader. His long service to the Church, not only at Manakin but at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Richmond has included a vast array of talents and skills. He has served on the Vestries of both parishes and been Senior and Junior Warden. At Good Shepherd, he was also Superintendent of the Sunday School, President of the School Board and Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee. At Manakin, he has served in a variety of leadership roles and is active in the Men of the Church and the Outreach activities of the Church. No task is beneath him, and no challenge too great. Though he prefers to serve as Junior Warden, traditionally responsible for the physical plant, he is equally competent as Senior Warden, who, as the lay leader of the Parish, shares with the Rector and Vestry in responsibility for every aspect of the Parish. Bill exemplifies the best of leadership, genuinely solicitous of the concerns and feelings of every member of the Parish with a remarkable capacity to bring out the best in every person with whom he works and worships. Fiercely loyal and dedicated to his faith and the mission of the Church, his humor and grace make the best of moments, and the most awkward, times to experience God’s love at its fullest. His Rector says that most people don’t know the extent to which he is engaged in pastoral care in the Parish, driving people to doctor’s appointments or the grocery store, fetching groceries for shut-ins, and checking up on people who can’t get to church. At Manakin’s recent Annual Meeting, his Rector extolled Bill’s virtues as a truly great leader, and called him “the best Senior Warden” with whom he has served in over thirty years of parish ministry. He also notes that he never sees Bill at Church (and he is there very often, not just on Sundays!) that Bill does not end or begin the conversation with “What can I do for you?” The question bears so much more weight because it is not a mere courtesy or conversation-maker, but is a genuine expression of what is at the heart of Bill’s character and commitment – his utter dedication to the service and leadership of the congregation.

John Heaggans was recognized for his Excellence in Ministry by his church, Mount Zion Baptist Church (Farnham).  John had a distinguished career as a teacher, retiring after eighteen years as principal. A member of his church for more than forty years, he has served as a Deacon for 35 years, and chair of the Deacons Ministry for twenty years. Always willing to do his part, in recent years he has been the church’s only Deacon, working tirelessly in the areas of finance and budget, as Church School Superintendent, and as Treasurer for forty years. John’s gardening skills are known and appreciated by many, especially by those who enjoy his fruits and vegetables. His Pastor says of John, “There is no greater friend to the church and community than Deacon Heaggans. Mount Zion salutes him for his hard work and his dedication to excellence.”

Courtney L. Hunter was recognized for her Excellence in Ministry by her church, North Gayton Baptist Church. Courtney Hunter holds a BA in Education from Virginia Union University and an MA in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her professional career in teaching included being teacher, administrator, and science educator in the Richmond Public Schools, then adjunct faculty in the School of Education at VCU. She is recipient of the Golden Apple award for exemplifying professional caring. In her church she served as Sunday School Superintendent, member of the Tuckahoe Sunday School Union, and has led teacher workshops. Her excitement about working with youth encouraged her to enroll in the Evan-Smith Leadership Institute of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology (VUU) where she earned a Certificate in Religious Studies & Christian Education, an Advanced Certificate in Theological Preparation, and then returned to earn her MA in Christian Education at the School of Theology. Currently Director of Christian Education at North Gayton, she serves in several capacities but finds time to volunteer at The Resource Center. A past member of TRC’s Board of Directors, she is a member of the Working Group and provides leadership in our BoB (Big on Books) Reading Program at Northside Crusaders Baptist Church. With Psalm 119:73 as her prayer, she continues to be educator, leader, counselor – – as the Holy Spirit guides her in all phases of her life.

Joann Kearney Jones was recognized for her Excellence in Ministry by her church, Second Baptist Church (West End). Joann is a gifted singer and Choir Director at her church where she is known for her ability to sing any of the “old-time” songs and get the audience involved. Her church says, “You name it, she can sing it – – and we have been blessed to have her share her gifts with our children and youth.” She currently co-directs the Children’s Choir with Andrea Long Wimbush. For many years the two women have taken the children and youth to the National Gospel Music Workshop of America. At Second Baptist she is also a member of the Praise Team, the Mass Choir, and The Voices of Praise. Her church says they are blessed to honor Joann and Andrea Long Wimbush for their collaboration in working “toward the common goal of assuring that Second Baptist has a strong and enduring Children’s Choir and Music Ministry.”

Virgie Binford was recognized for her Excellence in Ministry by her church, All Souls Presbyterian. Dr. Binford has embodied excellence in ministry for her entire adult life, in church, school, and community. With both a BA and MA in Elementary Education from Virginia State University, she went on to focus on Early Childhood Education at Columbia University in New York City, followed by a Doctorate in Education in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, further study at UVA and abroad in Africa, Asia and Europe – – finally earning a Ph. D. at New Hope Bible Crusade College and Seminary in Baltimore, MD. Virgie has been a classroom teacher at all levels, from early childhood to university, as well as administrator and independent consultant. She has been described as “a dynamic educator, motivational speaker, and caring individual”. Both trailblazer and groundbreaker, she is legendary across racial lines for her leadership skills, her intellectual accomplishment, and her commitment to justice and the common good. In retirement she fills her time with volunteer service in a host of community organizations, and as an ordained Elder in her church.