Ms. Shelia Mitchell gave an emotional response upon receiving the city’s Citizen Service Award and the “Hammy” trophy during the February 13 session of the Winnfield City Council.

Mayor Gerald Hamms was slated to make this presentation but Mayor Pro Tem Teresa Phillips took that honor in his absence due to the recent loss of his mother, Earlene Turner.  The District 5 council member cited Ms. Mitchell’s “great work for citizens young and old.”

For the youngsters, Ms. Mitchell was instrumental in the startup of “Tuesday School” here in Winnfield, a weekly program providing a safe environment for children to fellowship, exercise and learn about Jesus Christ.  Begun at First Presbyterian Church, it has grown over time and now meets at First Assembly with transportation support from three other churches.

She launched what she called her “Support Ministry” in 2010, providing meals to feed folks in her own home and yard.  It’s been joined by others to become the annual Caring & Sharing “Community Feast” that provides some 800 free meals for the community in February, this year served at the city’s Civic Center.

“This is done as an honor to God,” she exclaimed as the stepped to the microphone following her presentation and photo with family.  “God is the author of all things good.  I also thank the City.  For my part, I believe I’m pleasing God.  He stirred my heart to do what I can do in the kitchen…to cook for the people.”

It was not surprise that she also took the microphone to rally for one more issue to aid local citizens that night.  (See related story, “Big Brown.”)