1918-1939

Dr. Mattie E. Coleman

First President - Women's Missionary Council

Known for organizing Women's Missionary Council.

Native of Tennessee. Known physician and Missionary worker.

Born in 1870, died in 1942.

Graduate of Meharry Medical College.

Married to R.J. Coleman, a CME minister in the Tennessee Conference.

 

1939-1955

Mrs. Rossie T. Hollis

Second President

Assisted Dr. Mattie E. Coleman with teaching responsibilities and was elected to succeed her in 1939.

Native of Georgia. Known Missionary worker. Professor at Paine College.

Known for expansion of churches. Generated funds for the erection of Missionary Temple in California.

 

1955-1963

Mrs. Eula W. Harris

Third President

Professor at Lane and Texas College.

Born in Colorado City and later a resident of Texas.

Affiliated with women's clubs, known for education and service.

Life Membership Committee is named in honor of Mrs. E.W.F. Harris.

 

1963-1971

Mrs. Phyllis H. Bedford

Fourth President

Journalist by profession. Daughter of Methodist minister.

Served as President of the Ohio Annual Conference Missionary Society.

Was deeply involved in the Ecumenical movement.

 

1971-1979

Mrs. Pauline B. Grant

Fifth President

Native of Georgia and resided in Philadelphia.  

Deceased.

Educator. Advocate for change and progress.

Involved missionaries of all ages as the Missionary Council was expanded.

Developed Division concept. Encouraged Women in ministry.

Led and developed Project Assist - a program to help the elderly.

 

1979-1987

Dr. Thelma Vivian Jackson Dudley

Sixth President

Native of George but longtime resident of Orlando, Florida. 

Deceased.

Educator and noted orator throughout the church.

Continued the goals that former president initiated.

Developed training and workshops on leadership.

Encouraged women to join and associate with affiliate organizations.

Obtained Doctorate of Education after tenure as President.

 

1987-1995

Dr. Sylvia M. Faulk

Seventh President

Native of California

Educator and specialist in the Unified School District of Berkely, California.

Advocate for the Missionary at the local level. Coined phrase, "If it does not happen at the local level, it does not happen."

Emphasized the importance of Young Adults as active Missionary members.

Stressed the importance of obtaining an education.

Interested in affiliate organizations, and served as Area President of the World Federation of Uniting and Church Women.

Celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Women's Missionary Council.

Purchased marker for Dr. Mattie E. Coleman, the first President of the Women's Missionary Council.

 

1995-2003

Dr. Judith E. Grant

Eighth President

Native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Specialized in Nutrition Education and Administration prior to her election.

Interest is in all Missionaries at all levels - especially children, and members of the "Senior Class."

Primary focus is overseas missions. First Council President to visit Africa.

Strong advocate for associating and participating in affiliate organizations.

Raised the consciousness of the computer-generated age.

Council celebrated 80 years of service and dedication under her leadership in 1998.

 

2003-Present

Dr. Elnora Hamb

Ninth President 

Native of Ripley, Tennessee. Currently a resident of Chicago, Illinois.

Married to Raymond N. Hamb, Sr. Mother of Raymond Jr. and Angela F. Hamb.  Grandmother to Shelbi, Carlton and Raymond III.

An active leader of the Connectional Church in many areas, including the Women's Missionary Council.

Past President of Women's Missionary Society at the local and Annual Conference level.

Professional educator with the Chicago Board of Education.

B.S. Degree, Lane College; Master of Librarianship, Chicago State University; Additional studies at Nova University.

Honorary Doctorate Degree, Texas College.