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Southeast SDA Church Honors its Legendary Seniors
by Cecily Bryant and Keith Dixon
“Do not regret growing older. It’s a privilege denied to many.”—Author Unknown.
Those who reach the age of 70, the biblical promise of 3 score and 10 (Ps. 90:10), are truly blessed. Those fortunate enough to enjoy time that extends beyond the promise belong to an exclusive club that most people can only dream of joining. Membership is limited and not granted to everyone. The Southeast SDA family is blessed to have such a special membership among us. The church is proud to honor its most senior members who have reached glorious milestone ages ranging from 90 to 101.
These individuals are the stalwarts and trailblazers—the sturdy stock that has lived through the Great Depression, the Jim Crow Era, the fight for Civil and Voting Rights, wars and battles and most recently-- they are survivors of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reva Albright currently holds the distinction of being the oldest member of Southeast at the remarkable age of 101. Born in 1920, Sis. Albright has been a faithful member of Southeast since its inception in 1974. A woman of God with a passion for teaching the bible, Sis. Albright served as a Deaconess, Bible Worker, Sabbath School Teacher and Dorcas Society member. Sis. Albright is a worker in spreading the gospel, a believer in the Great Commission, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matt. 28: 16-20). Sis. Albright has lived her life as a faithful witness. Many people hold fond memories of seeing this soldier walking up and down Lee Road with other Southeast members, in hopes of bringing others to Christ.
Another Southeast charter member, Bette Robinson stated, “Sis. Reva Albright and her three Southeast sisters visited the sick and shut-in every Sabbath and attended church whenever the doors were open!”
Elder Gertrude Dunham has been serving the Lord for 97 years. Born in 1924, this witness for Christ served the church as Elder, Personal Ministries Leader, Religious Liberty Leader, Chancel Choir member and was very active in the growth of the Southeast Community Garden. Every time Elder Dunham stood before the Southeast family, her enthusiasm for the Lord came shining through, whether she was helping to “bring all the tithes into the storehouse” or speaking up for Religious Liberties.
Elder Dunham holds the distinction of being among the first female Ordained Elders at Southeast SDA church. She is a trailblazer.
Ezelle Adside has been blessed with 93 years on earth. Born in 1924, this quiet yet powerful warrior for Christ blessed the name of the Lord every Sabbath. Not content to just sit in the pews, Sister Adside served her beloved Southeast family in the roles of Literature Evangelist, Chancel Choir member, Deaconess and Sabbath School Teacher, leading Juniors and Early Teens. She also served as pianist for Kindergarten Sabbath School.
A true example of Christ, Sis. Adside has consistently supported the missions and programs of Southeast SDA Church, both financially and spiritually. Your service to God and church is recorded in heaven and appreciated on earth, Sis. Adside.
Annie Mae Kelly-Johnson has graced this earthly plain for 92 years. Born in 1929, Sis. Kelly-Johnson is the mother of 10 children, including our beloved First Lady, Elder Alisa Hood. A former member of Cleveland Bethel SDA, Sis. Johnson is now a member of Southeast SDA Church. Her daughter describes her as an active “gardener” in very good physical health. In what could be part of the key to her longevity, Sis. Johnson loves to laugh and dancercise. She is the eldest of 11 siblings (9 sisters and 2 brothers), with 3 sisters and 1 brother still living.
According to Elder Hood, her mom “can still cook the best greens and cornbread ever!” Sis. Johnson was recently rebaptized by her son-in-law, Pastor Stan Hood. Annie Kelly-Johnson summed up the spiritual experience best when she stated, “He heard my prayer. I am saved and ready when Jesus comes.”
Deacon Robert Board has made the journey 91 times around the sun. Born in 1930, Deacon Board is known for his beautifully anointed voice and his faithfulness. Bro. Board has consistently served his church in the roles of Deacon, soloist, Sabbath School Teacher, Dorcas Society (Community Service), Chancel Choir and full-time church custodian.
A charter member, Bro. Board uses his anointed voice to uplift, inspire and encourage. Bro. Board is very well-known for his amazing renditions of “Midnight Cry” and “Mary Did You Know?” Southeast is blessed by your service.
Utopia Greenfield Johnson has known 91 yearly life celebrations. Born in 1930, Sis. Utopia (as she is known) has served the church as Deaconess, Usher, Hands in Ministry Sign Language choir member and Dorcas Society (Community Service). She is known for her beautiful, authentic African clothing and headdresses.
While actively serving Southeast as a Deaconess and Usher, Sis. Utopia traveled back and forth to West Africa building a school for grades K-12. She single-handedly financed clearing forest land to build the school that has enhanced the community. Sis. Utopia is also known for her amazing cuisine--her curried dishes and cornbread are legendary. Soft-spoken with a constant smile on her face, Sis. Utopia is truly an active soldier for Christ.
Lesslie Brown-Tilman has celebrated 91 birthdays and each year has been dedicated to the Lord’s service! Born in 1929, this woman of God shared her love for service in her roles as a Deaconess, Sabbath School Secretary and Chancel Choir member. Living the example of team leadership and service, Sis. Brown-Tilman frequently supported her husband Deacon Perry Tillman in his work at Southeast.
Southeast SDA has always held a special place in the heart of Sis. Brown-Tilman. The Southeast church family is appreciative of her continued faithfulness!
Halcyone Glenn is a charter member who has enjoyed 90 years of blessings! Born in 1930, Sis. Glenn has been a faithful and dedicated servant of the Lord since the early days at Glenville SDA Church. Sis. Glenn speaks gently, but has always been an outstanding example of leadership, strength and energy. A mother of four, grandmother and great-grandmother, Sis. Glenn has always loved working with children. She served as Cradle Roll teacher and Pathfinder Leader. Passing this love of working with youth onto her family, all of them have served in Pathfinder and Adventure Youth. This outstanding service made Southeast one of several thriving Pathfinder clubs in the Allegheny West Conference.
Sis. Glenn has also served in Community Service, where she could be seen working at many Southeast Food Giveaways. You could also see her in Fellowship Hall serving at various after-church functions. Sis. Glenn was also a Chancel Choir member and is a Deaconess.
The kingdom of God is pleased with your contributions and so is your Southeast family!
Elder Cecil Walker was blessed to celebrate his 90th birthday with his church family, during the pandemic. Family and friends organized a special “drive-by parade” honoring his milestone birthday. Born in 1931, this charter member of Southeast has been active in the church for many years.
Southeast members and visitors who arrived early on Sabbath could always expect to see Elder Walker leading out Song Service during 8 a.m. Power Hour or playing the piano for Sabbath School. A tireless leader, Elder Walker also taught Sabbath School.
Elder Walker served faithfully in several capacities over the years, including Head Elder, Deacon, Treasurer, Community Service and Building Committee Member.
Elder Walker is a man of God who leads by example. He and his beautiful wife, Ethel, worked together to carry out the work of the Lord to prepare others for the soon coming Kingdom.
The Southeast SDA Church family is forever grateful for the combined service, love and faithfulness of our senior members who have reached these amazing milestones. We salute you!
Southeast Seventh-Day
Adventist Church
16602 Tarkington Ave.
Cleveland OH 44128
Office: (216) 662-3080
10:00 am Sabbath School (Bible Study)
11:30 am Divine Worship Service
