10 Beautiful Women

Stories By Laura Pack
Introduction By April Pennell-Hendershot
Photography By Steve Payne

In each society there lies a spirit which makes it unique, an inherent nature that gives a community depth, meaning and character. We here in the Metro Valley are blessed with such attributes, the most remarkable of which are embodied in our women. Our women have a long heritage of strength of character, raw intelligence and grace under fire. The following pages will introduce some of the most exceptional women of our time. Each woman gives of herself in ways that most of us can only imagine. These are the women who feed the children and teach them to sing, who see prejudice and charge headlong into the fray to defend us against it. These are the women whose deep spirituality inspires those around them and who understand that love and human touch heals spirits as well as bodies.

Betty Jane Cleckley, Ph.D.

Betty Jane Cleckley, Ph.D. was born determined, talkative and independent, the kind of spirit needed to build a life and career dedicated to social justice, diversity awareness and open dialogue. In her 17 years as Marshall University's vice president for Multicultural Affairs, Betty has been a force for positive change on campus and throughout the community. "When I was a little girl, I was selfconfident. I had a strong sense of justice; I wanted to change things.I am determined to improve our society. I do this by trying to heighten social justice consciousness wherever I am," says Betty.

Christine Dickerson

"Why do people have to go around with such hate in their hearts? You have to forgive people so God will forgive you. We all need forgiveness, I know I do. I've sinned; we all sin." Christine Dickerson says these words as tears wet her determined eyes. She has spent her entire life on Charleston's West Side, devoted to her family, church, neighbors and fellow man. At 77, she is a testament of faith, humility and the fragility of humankind. Her words, her life and her love for people reflect God and the power of forgiveness.

Carolin Harris has been feeding Point Pleasant for 37 years, whether they can afford anything on the Harris Steakhouse menu or not. Originally, she bought the restaurant-one of the town's remaining original eateries-to take afternoons off to care for her ailing mother. Soon she began seeing the hunger every day, and had to do something about it. "I couldn't go home and feed my family when customers had nothing to eat. They became my family, too, you know," she says. "They come to me for everything. I have too big of a heart to say no. My niece says, 'Do you ever say no?' I say, 'I can't say no.'"

Clarice Kumlien is Mother Earth personified. Every day she swims in the lake near her Willow Wood, Ohio, home and walks the nearby trail. She eats the vegetables from the potted garden on her porch and paints the flowers that grow in her soil. A health pioneer, she was doing yoga and massage therapy years before either became popular. The retired nurse and colon cancer survivor remembers a time when there wasn't a pill for everything. A time when health meant eating well, exercise and relaxation-a routine she remains loyal to today.

Maya Angelou has a saying that Ivin Lee holds dear: "We are but pathfinders." Ivin's life is not about being first; it's about her obligation to those who surround her. She is a believer in human progress, public service and social equality. She believes all things can be done: you have to want it bad enough, be willing to work hard enough and you will achieve.

When Helen Lodge was in college, her mother once said: "You would feel left out if an epidemic passed you by." She was referring to Helen's campus participation, the same selfless spirit that Helen has carried throughout her life. Exuding tireless energy, elegance and grace, her two great passions remain: volunteerism and dietetics.

Music is the defining force in Selina Midkiff's life. As artistic director of Appalachian Children's Chorus, she hopes to instill her lifelong love of music in the hearts of her singers. More than notes and melodies, Selina teaches the children to be self-confident, respectful and disciplined. Whether or not they hit all the notes exactly right, they touch people-a lesson they take with them long after they've outgrown the chorus.

Judy Ross is a sagely breath of art, vitality and wit. Even as a young girl, she could feel the emotions of flowers. At 8 years old, she caught the bus from Cabin Creek to Charleston to hear the symphony and take music classes. "We all owe life one death," she says. "So it must be okay, it is part of the plan. That's not the tragedy; the tragedy is a life not well lived."

Nancy and Elinore Taylor have no patience for ignorance, discrimination or hypocrisy. These passionate, giving sisters are partners in doctrine and life. In Huntington, they live together in an aging log cabin where they were raised. Elinore (right) playfully dubs her older sister "the good one," though both have zealous spirits.