Miriam Ministry Board
Bill Garner been a lifelong resident of Washington County. He graduated from Washington County High School in 1970 and graduated from UGA in 1974 with a BS degree in Agriculture. After graduation he worked with his family in an agribusiness. In 1985 he started working at Thiele Kaolin Company and worked in purchasing most of his career, and retired in 2018. He is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and also a deacon. He serves on the Finance Committee and the Building and Property Committee.He and his wife Janice live in Warthen, GA. They have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.
Linda Cowan, a native of Washington County, has been an educator for her entire career. She has served as a teacher, an elementary school principal, a high school principal, superintendent of schools and executive director of RESA. While working with children of all ages she has been increasingly aware of the devastating effect of childhood poverty on students. Many pupils begin school having never owned a book or even had a book read to them. It is difficult if not impossible for them to overcome these early deprivations. She says that Miriam Ministry is an exciting solution to these issues. She believes that children who have age-appropriate books and toys from birth will be much more successful in school and throughout their lives and that their families will benefit from this support system.
Chris Hutchings, a life-long resident of Washington County, is the current President of Miriam Ministry, Inc. Mr. Hutchings has a passion for community service and early literacy. He has served as the Chairpersons of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, the Archway Project and Washington County Board of Education. He is a retired business person and also has retired from a second career as the County Administrator in his home county. Mr. Hutchings has a particular passion for working on projects that will yield significant long-term benefits to his community. His passion for improving early literacy is one such effort that when successful, will lift the people and the entire community upward. Mr. Hutchings’ passion for early literacy is also kindled by his long-time partner in marriage, Carla Hutchings, who is a retired educator specializing in Early Childhood.
Robin Cook is the current Chief Financial Officer of Miriam Ministry, and organizes and plans delivery operations. Robin is a retired registered nurse, with her nursing background chiefly being that of Emergency and Trauma care. Recognizing that young families in need often present to the Emergency Department services, she is acutely aware that they are struggling to just have basic needs met, and has seen many children in dire circumstances. She desires to assist in keeping children healthy physically, as well as supporting their early educational needs, and feels that Miriam Ministry’s mission of providing diapers and wipes, as well as books and toys, will make a difference. Robin is encouraged and assisted by her husband Cecil Cook, who is a retired Disciples of Christ pastor.
Cheryl Hartley Jordan, a life-long resident of Washington County, grew up as one of six children. She attended Washington County High School, Middle Georgia College and Brooks School of Floral Design. When Cheryl was in High School, she knew she wanted to design flowers. Cheryl pursued a career in floral design and is now retired from her Event and Wedding business. Her interests include arts, sports, music, reading, historic preservation and travel. Cheryl was married to Charles Jordan for 39 years is now widowed. Cheryl has 5 daughters and spends most her time with them and their families. Having the heart of a mother, Cheryl learned about Miriam Ministry and the good it could do for her community, and decided to join.
Karen Smith is a retired teacher with 30 + years as an educator. She taught child development in the local high school setting. Mrs. Smith led the Washington Co. Childcare center, which showcased high students and preschoolers through hands- on experiences in teaching young children. Successfully developing high school students’ careers in the child development area was the goal of this program. Her focus is on bringing books and toys to help young families educate their children by supplying the tools needed to be a successful parent. We in the Miriam Ministry recognize that the parents are the first and best educators in a young child’s life.
Elder Cedric Watson was born and raised in Milledgeville, Georgia. He is the father of two, Destiny Watson and Cedric Watson. Elder has been under the leadership of Apostle Alejandro Henry & Overseer Lalita Henry at New Vision Church T.H.C.A.F for 21 years. Because he was once one of those that caused chaos and destruction in the community, God has called him to go back to build the community. With the zeal Elder Watson has for the upbuilding of his community and surrounding communities, the Lord gave him a vision that has manifested into an effective ministry that has helped and supported many families in the community. “Uniting The Church and Community Outreach was founded by Elder Cedric in 2016. With the help of many other leaders and pastors in the community the outreach ministry is still effective from one family to another, reaching the lost, and building the community.
Shantina “Tina” Watson was born and raised in Sandersville, Georgia. She is the mother of 4 children; Hyquel Temple, Nigel Thomas, Cyntoria Thomas, and Alexia Thomas and two grandchildren. Tina has been under the leadership of Mack Jackson and Valarie Jackson at St. James Christian Fellowship where she now serves as the youth minister with the assistance of her husband. She has graced Washington County with her trailblazing talents as a hairstylist, makeup artist, event coordinator, empowering women (Be Bold in Your Confidence Women’s Facebook Group and Queen Up Ministries), and encouraging the youth in the community. Tina is well known as the owner of Explicit Hair Designs that was established in 2004. In her years of serving the community as a hairstylist, she has paved the way for many other stylists and barbers as Bert Andrews, the late Helen Kilpatrick, and the late Mary Bridges have done for her. She is now currently enrolled in Oconee Fall Technical College pursuing her nursing career.
Beverly “Von” Waller is a long-term resident of Washington County, where she has lived most of her adult life. She was married to her husband, the late Louie Waller for 54 years and is the proud mother of two children, Donna W. Smith and Trey Waller, and grandmother of six grandchildren.
Following a 22 year career as a Professional Assistant with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Mrs. Waller retired with a deep appreciation for the importance of supporting children and families of the community. Throughout her life, she has been actively involved in nurturing children through church ministries, including founding the Bible Buddies program. Her passion for helping children grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually has been a guiding force in her service.
Mrs. Waller is especially committed to supporting young children and their caregivers by helping provide resources that encourage healthy development, early learning, and family success. Her dedication to serving children and underprivileged families reflects the mission of Miriam Ministry to equip infants and toddlers with essential items that help build a strong foundation for life. She is an active member of Mt Gilead Primitive Baptist Church and remains active in efforts to strengthen and serve the Washington County community.