Lena Gleaton -- Mother of the Month January 2024 --Lena Gleaton was born on January 13, 1935 to the late Thelma Arnold and Lee J. Dean. At the age of 10 years old, Lena was baptized at Iconium Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1952. Lena continued her education at Carver Vocational School concentrating in clerical studies; and, later graduating from Monsa Beauty School. Lena served in the United States military from 1956 to 1959 as a Medic. She attained the rank of Sergeant within 18 months. Upon leaving the military, she worked as a civilian LPN at Fort McPherson, GA for 27 years. After her tenure at Fort McPherson, she worked as a Healthcare Provider with Menders Health Agency for 14 years. Lena was an active participant in the charter that established First Iconium Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Timothy McDonald, III. She was instrumental in forming the Nurses Guild where she served for 20 years. She is currently a member of First Iconium’s Mothers Board.

Shirley Cleveland Butler -- Mother of the Month December 2023 -- I was born and raised in Atlanta and am a graduate of Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. I am a retired educator with the Fulton County Board of Education. I aspired to be a teacher because I wanted the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives and have a positive impact on my community. I began my teaching career as a first grade teacher at Mimosa Elementary School in Roswell, Georgia and taught school for 33 years. My greatest reward in teaching was assisting my young students with learning and seeing them achieve their goals and be successful. I am a charter member of First Iconium Baptist Church where I am presently affiliated with the Mother's Board, Pastor's Aide, EDGE Youth Ministry, and the Silver Jubilees. I enjoy reading, listening to music, and love to shop. I am the proud mother of one daughter, Judge Rolesia Butler Dancy. My favorite Bible verse is: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6.

Ella M. Parker -- Mother of the Month November 2023 -- I was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 20, 1948. I graduated high school and Booker T. Washington Business College. In 1968, I married Bennie Parker. We have one daughter and three grandchildren. I worked for 27 years at Wachovia Bank (presently “Wells Fargo Bank) and Sedwick Insurance Company for 10 years as a Claims Assistant. I have always been the type to try and help someone else. I was a former member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for about 25 to 30 years. I served in the choir, and became a Deaconess. We would always help the older ones who became sick. We would clean their homes and prepare meals, as needed. I took this one lady under my wings. She hardly had any family. We would bring her home with us. Oftentimes, she would go to one of the bedrooms and take a nap. You see, she was just a very lonely person. My family and I are presently members of First Iconium Baptist Church, where I serve on the Mother’s Board, and I also serve as a member of the November Birth Month. My Motto: “Always try and help someone along the way because you don’t know who may need to help you one day.”

Lynda James Parks -- Mother of the Month October 2023 -- I am an Atlanta native and the eldest of eleven children to Rev. Dr. & Mrs. (Emma) John Allen James Sr. I was blessed to be educated in (grades K-12) and served in the Atlanta Public School System my entire career. Clark College (CAU) is where I received my BA degree, Masters Degree from Georgia State University (GSU), Specialist from Troy State University, and Ph.D from London, and I also studied at The Royal Schools of Music in London. I am the proud mother of twins and grandmother of 4. I published a novel, “Tantalizing International Delights.” I am a Charter Member of First Iconium Baptist Church and have served, volunteered, and worked with several Ministries. My hobbies are reading, traveling, and music. One of my most favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28…and we know that God causes all things to work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. One of my most favorite sayings: Miracles happen to those who believe. I always say to my children and those I taught to “always put God first and do your best the first time.”

Mary Jenkins -- Mother of the Month of September 2023 -- I grew up in Atlanta, GA (Vine City Community) and attended Booker T. Washington High School (Bulldogs)!! I have one loving daughter, Audrey, and two loving grandchildren. I enjoy bowling and sewing. I am a member of Walker Tabernacle Baptist Church in Atlanta, where I serve on the Usher Board. I retired from Stevens Graphics (a Bell South/ATT subsidiary). My favorite Scripture: Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)(KJV)

Joyce Butts -- Mother of the Month August 2023 -- When I was born, I came into the world with a bang! In the heat of the day on August 12th in the afternoon, I came into the world, while traffic stopped on the corner of McDaniel Street and Georgia Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. I was born to the late Gurlee and King Jones on a hot summer day. Most people say that I have been headstrong and independent ever since. My parents had three children, and I was the last to be born. Our family lived in a modest home in the Pittsburgh community in Atlanta, and I graduated from Luther Judson Price High School. I married the love of my life, Charles Butts, Sr., on January 10, 1964. I have four children. My husband and I worked hard to instill Christian values and provide a middle-class upbringing for our children. I retired from Grady Memorial Hospital in 2001 after over 30 years of service. During my retired life I enjoyed traveling with my husband who is now deceased. Babysitting my grandchildren is a joy to me. I love worshipping at First Iconium Baptist Church and serving as a member of the “Mother’s Board.” Most days, you will find me enjoying my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I miss my husband, but I know we will see each other in heaven someday. Most people agree that I have the right name Joyce, for I am indeed a joy to be around. “The Joy of the Lord is my strength!”

Cathy Padgett -- Mother of the Month of July 2023 -- I grew up in a family with three sisters in Lexington, Kentucky. I graduated from Lafayette High School; active in numerous clubs and activities; graduating in 1963. I attended the University of Kentucky in 1963, with a degree in Home Economics. I taught Home Economics in Illinois, Okinawa, Japan, City of Atlanta, and Trickum Middle School (Gwinnett County). While teaching, I led many clubs, took students to study in Europe, and was once teacher of the year. I accepted Jesus as my savior while in college, and have led Sunday school, youth groups, and adult Bible studies. I am active in Young Life, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches. I married Ron Padgett and have spent the last 51 years enjoying life with him and our three children. We also have five grandchildren. Having lived in Norcross, GA for 40 years, we have just recently moved to Adairsville, GA.

Daphne Delk -- Mother of the Month of June 2023 -- I am a graduate of Spelman college and a retired Research Scientist and Sales Rep. I serve as the acting Sunday School Superintendent for First Iconium Baptist Church; and I am also a Sunday School teacher. Reading, writing, growing plants, and helping others are what I enjoy as well as baseball. I am an avid Braves fan. Let’s Go Braves!!!

Lillie Stokes -- Mother of the Month May 2023 -- I was married to my husband Prescott Stokes, Sr. for 46+ years and we have 5 sons, 18 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. I am originally from New Orleans, LA, but had to move to Atlanta, Georgia after the “Katrina Storm” which flooded my house and washed it down the street. I worked for L.S.U. University in Banton Rouge, LA as a Nutrition Educator for 35 years, teaching children, adults, and elders on how to eat healthy and take care of themselves. Iin New Orleans, I was a member of New Zion Baptist Church, were I was a Deacon. Presently, I am a member of First Iconium Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia where I am serving as a Deaconess. I am also an Evangelist – prayer warrior on my prayer line at 857-232-0476 (code 928915#).