Handy Chapel AME Church holds service honoring area women

From left, Virginia Huston, Connie Latimer, Phyllis Palmer and Eric Sappington. The three women were honored Sunday, March 22, at Handy Chapel's annual Women's Day celebration. Sappington appeared on behalf of Bonnie Humphrey, who was also honored, but was unable to attend.
(Eric Crump/Democrat-News)

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"Strong Women Revealed," at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 22, included a guest speaker, rousing music and prayer.

The guests of honor were Marshall Mayor Connie Latimer; Eric Sappington, representing Missouri Valley College President Bonnie Humphrey; Phyllis Palmer, co-owner of Palmer's Personal Touch and Fashions; and Virginia Huston, a longtime community leader.

Shelly Arth, publisher of The Marshall Democrat-News, introduced each woman honored in the tribute and presented each with a plaque commemorating the church's appreciation for their service and leadership.

Excerpts of the introductions and remarks by the recipients appear below:

Connie Latimer
She grew up in Malta Bend, where her father, Russell Fenner, still resides. She attended Malta Bend school, Central Missouri State College and Missouri Valley College.

She started her service to the city of Marshall in 1992 when she was appointed to Indian Foothills Park Board. She served five years on the board, four of those as president.

In 1997, Mayor Mitch Geisler appointed her to the city council. When Geisler retired in 2002, she was elected mayor.

"This is really quite an honor," said Latimer, who is in her second term as mayor.

"I'm honored every day by getting to serve this fine community as mayor. I work with some of the finest people who live here."

Bonnie L. Humphrey
She has served as Missouri Valley College's 13th president since January 2005.

Before being named president, Humphrey served as vice president of academic affairs at MVC starting in July 2001. She assisted with the design and implementation of the Learning Center and on-campus "smart classrooms."

She conceptualized and designed the technology laboratory for business and industry training and designed and implemented the plan to reduce the faculty workload to 12 credit hours. Humphrey was instrumental in guiding

the institution to a 10-year accreditation designation with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Humphrey was not able to attend the event but sent Eric Sappington, director of institutional advancement, to accept the honor on her behalf.

"Dr. Humphrey is the first woman president (of MVC) and that just goes to show that she is a strong woman," Sappington said. "We talk about her caring and her dedication to the college, to the students, to the community and that equals strength in my book."

Phyllis Palmer
She attended East High School in Kansas City. She then came to Marshall, where she attended Missouri Valley College. In 1988 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass

communication.

She has been employed with Butterfield Youth Services for 23 years. In 2007, she opened Palmer's Personal Touch and Fashion, a clothing store located on Odell Street in Marshall.

"Phyllis is known to be down-to-earth and willing to help wherever she can," Arth said.

"She has been a member of Powerhouse Ministries for many years, where she wears many hats."

She went back to school and received a master's degree in social work in 2006.

"Phyllis is known for her smile and her sense of style," Arth added.

"I thank and praise God. I take no honor for myself," Palmer said. "This is truly the Lord's doing."

Virginia Huston
She is a lifelong Marshall resident and is very active in the community, Arth said. She is the

chairperson of Pennytown Free Will Baptist Church, a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, where she currently is president of the Women's Missionary Union, treasurer for the building fund, a church trustee, member of the Inspirational Choir, mass choir, and usher board.

Huston also is a member of the Mar-Saline Branch of the NAACP, Santa Fe Trail Days committee, among many other activities and organizations.

She attended Lincoln Elementary and Marshall High School. She also attended Aline Jefferson Beauty Academy.

She thanked the Handy Chapel congregation "for honoring me and the work we try to do for preserving history in Saline County, because our heritage is being lost.

The presentations were followed by prayer, readings and a keynote address from Dola C. Williams of Kansas City

Music was provided by Carmen Bruce-Rowles and the Voices of Praise from Boonville with a song from Handy Chapel pastor Rev. Nelson Gabriel, too.

Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net