Shepherd’s Center, Lewisburg united methodist church, Bessie Smith program by Doris Fields (lady Day)

Bessie Smith (1894-1937), one of the most definitive blues artists of the Jazz Age, will be portrayed by singer and actress Doris Fields of Beckley at our February Lunch & Learn. Please RSVP: Email us at info@scgvwv.org or call the office at (304) 645-4196)

As the most popular and highest-paid female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s, Smith was known as the “Empress of the Blues” for her forceful vocal delivery and command of the genre. Her singing displayed a soulfully phrased, boldly delivered grasp of the blues. She was an all-around entertainer who danced, acted, and performed comedy routines with her touring company, and many of her tunes have been covered by various artists through the decades.

Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley was started by Ann McClung in 1999 after a visit to Shepherd’s Centers of America in Kansas City, MO. Seven area churches agreed to sponsor the formation of Shepherd’s Center of Greenbrier Valley, we obtained our State Charter, and we were off and running. Adventures in Learning started in 1999 with 45 participants. We now have approximately 150 registrants for AIL sessions. Other programs that have been added over the years include Gwen’s Meals delivery, Handy Helper service, Friendly Caller/Visits, transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping for those who no longer drive, and serving as a senior resource center in the area. We currently have 24 local congregations and community organizations that support us in various ways. We celebrated our 25th anniversary in 2024 and look forward to continued growth and expansion, reaching those in our community who need our services.