Minister Diane Berry
The founding visionary of the Pearls Prayer Retreat Ministries in 2006, Minister Diane Berry, was born in Merced, California. Eventually, Minister Berry’s parents moved back to her mother’s hometown in Ludowici where she was raised. She is the daughter of the late James and Mildred Elder, and the middle child of 5 sisters. Her education began at Liberty County Elementary School in Midway Georgia. Later, she graduated in 1975 from Long County High School. In 1979, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Albany State College, now University. Minister Berry received a certificate specializing in Computer Applications from Altamaha Technical College in 2007. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from Sterling College in 2012 and her Masters in Christian Studies from Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014.
Minister Berry was employed at a hospital in Brunswick for 9 months then transferred to Tattnall County Hospital for 6 months. She retired as a manager after 23 years and 9 months from the Long County Health Department Home Care Services. Later, she retired as secretary at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church after 38 years. She has owned and operated Lady D Accessories by Diane, LLC for five years.
Minister Berry is a member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as an Associate Minister. She accepted her calling in ministry and preached her initial sermon, ‘Are You Growing Up or Being Held Up’, on December 11, 2011 under the leadership of Pastor Victor C. Brewton. She is currently secretary for the Tattnall Congress of Christian Education.
Minister Berry volunteered with the American Red Cross, Medical Alert, MLK Committee and Second Harvest Food Bank. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Minister Berry is married to Aubrey C. Berry. They are the parents of 2 children, grandparents of 3 grands, and Godparents of 1 Goddaughter.
Rev. Dr. T. Jeannie Worthy
Rev. Dr. T. Jeannie Worthy was born in Jersey City, NJ. She is married to Wesley Worthy Sr. They are the parents of 3 sons and 1 daughter. She is the grandmother of 7 grandchildren.
Rev. Dr. Worthy attended elementary and high school in the Jersey City School System. She served in the U.S. Army for 6 years. Later, she attended Atlantic-Armstrong University System in Savannah, GA and Trinity Temple College of Religion in Hinesville, GA. She holds a dual Bachelor Degree in Christian Education and Christian Counseling, Masters’ in Christian Education and Christian Counseling, and a Doctorate degree in Christian Counseling and Communication.
Rev. Dr. Worthy became licensed to preach in July 2003 and ordained May 3, 2015. She currently serves as an Associate Minister, Minister of Ushers’ Ministry, Minister/President of Bereavement Ministry, and Minister of Silver Saints (Seniors 70 and above) at First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hinesville, GA.
Rev. Dr. Worthy retired from the City of Hinesville in ESG Operations. She is currently employed as an Office Manager at Dorchester/Pierce Funeral Home.
Rev. Dr. Worthy likes praising the Lord, preaching and teaching God’s word, helping people, more importantly living according to God’s ordinances and statues, her grandchildren’s smiles and Laughing Out Loud. She enjoys traveling and seeing new things.
Rev. Dr. Worthy believes Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried and rose on the 3rd day with the power to deliver us from sin. Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, because His grace is sufficient. We are created for God’s pleasure and His Glory and we should strive to live each day to give him glory in the gift of life that he gives to each of us. Her favorite scripture is Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.
Evangelist Delane Smith
Evangelist Delane Smith is happily married to Larry Smith and blessed with four wonderful children. She is a devoted servant of God, and licensed to preach the Gospel. Called by the Lord to walk in the prophetic, she is committed to speaking His truth and encouraging His people in love and obedience.
Rooted in the words of Matthew 9:37–38:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more workers.”
Her heart burns with a passion for the Kingdom and a deep desire to see laborers raised up for the glory of God.
Amen, Amen.
Sister Cynthia Kelly
Cynthia Mays Kelly was born and raised in Jesup, Georgia to Estella Mays and Willie Reddish. She attended the public schools of Wayne County and graduated in 1980. During the time in High School, she developed a love and passion for Bookkeeping and Accounting. Later, she attended Waycross -Ware Tech and studied Automated Accounting. This field of study opened a career at First National Bank for a few years. Later in life the Lord changed her direction toward learning medical terminology and Social Work. Then, she was able to combine her knowledge of Bookkeeping/Accounting with a new interest. She began to work in the field of Home Health and the Developmentally Disabled. This career kept her occupied for over 20 years.
The Lord has blessed her now to be able to work in the Kingdom of the Lord! Wherever she’s needed she says, “Lord here Am I!” Her Heart’s desire is to see God’s children fellowship in Love and Unity so we can get a job done for the Kingdom of God! She enjoys being a part of this Great Ministry of the Women’s Pearls Prayer Retreat because she knows when we as women can come together on One Accord and with One Purpose—God will MOVE in a Supernatural Way!!!
Her biggest achievements in Life are when she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and her Family. She thanks the Lord for her husband of 19 years, Mr. Timothy Kelly and their three beautiful Daughters, six grandchildren and six bonus grands. He also has blessed her to have a GREAT Church Family at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Ludowici, Georgia.
Sister Sharon Robinson
Sister Sharon Robinson, a proud native of Jesup, Georgia, is a devoted mother of three and a loving grandmother to several wonderful grandchildren. She currently works at Odum Elementary School, where her dedication and care touch the lives of young students every day.
In addition to her role in education, Sharon is the creative force behind Toot’s Design, a business that showcases her love for artistry and expression. She finds deep joy in being creative and sharing her talents with others.
Sharon is passionate about her faith and finds great fulfillment in serving as an usher in her church. Her love for the Lord is a guiding light in both her personal and professional life.
She is a proud graduate of Wayne County High School and furthered her education at Sanford-Brown College, graduating with the Class of 2016.
Missionary Marguerite Acker-West
Originally from Red Bank, New Jersey, Missionary Acker-West proudly served over 20 years on Active Guard Reserve (AGR) tour status with the New Jersey and Georgia Army National Guard. She retired honorably in 2008.
A trailblazer in her field, she was the second Black female to enlist in the program and one of only three female soldiers selected at the time.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Texas College and also studied at Trinity Bible College in Hinesville, GA in 2009.
In addition to her military service, she made history as the first Black female bailiff in Liberty County, Hinesville, GA.
A woman of many talents, she is also a freelance photographer.
Marguerite is a divorced mother of two adult sons, David (33) and Daniel (30). Together, they are proud members of First Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Hinesville, GA.
Today, as a missionary, Marguerite is passionate about meeting new people and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 🙏🏿❤️