New Berlin has been my home for many years now, but I was born and raised in Springfield. As a teenager, I was invited to attend South Side Christian Church where I later accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Not long afterward, I began helping in the Beginner Department with the 2 to 4 year olds. I haven’t stopped since! It’s been a blessing and a privilege to share Jesus with little children for over 54 years. 

South Side is where I met and later married my husband, Jim, on December 13, 1959. God has richly blessed our marriage with 2 wonderful children. Our son, Jamie—married to Carla—serves as chairman of Inner City Mission’s Board of Trustees, and our daughter, Linda is married to Greg Butler. We’ve also been blessed with 6 wonderful grandchildren and 3 precious great granddaughters. God is so good! 

Over the years, I worked for several different medical doctors and retired in 1992. I then began volunteering at Inner City Mission. At that time, my sister, Teena, was Director of Operations. I helped her with filing, mailings, and data input. 

One day, Scott Payne came in asked me if I’d want to become part of the staff of Inner City Mission. I felt honored and began working part-time as an employee. I love the family atmosphere and the people so much that I still work one day a week doing data input on the computer.

I remember when Inner City Mission was a vision in the thoughts and prayers of a few faithful people. Now, it has become a full-scale ministry and passion in the hearts of many faithful servants who provide so much more than food and shelter. It warms my heart and soul to see hurting people find hope in Jesus. He is our Bread of Life, our Living Water, and the only Way to our eternal home.