The Grapevine: A Biographical Look at Honorees for Class of '25 Black History Month Women of Distinction
By Rosalyn Queen on February 20, 2025 from The Grapevine
The Progressive Women’s Association has announced that the following women will be honored at the annual Black History luncheon Women of Distinction to be held at the Uptown Event Center on February 28 at noon.
These women are being honored for their achievements but most importantly for their contributions through volunteering.The projects these women are involved in make a big difference in our community.
If you want to attend this celebration of these wonderful women RSVP by Feb. 26. Call at 304-624-6881 or email us at uptowneventcenter2014@gmail.com.
This is the 10th year that Davis Funeral Home has sponsored this event to make it special for all of our women.
Dr. Myra Couch
Dr. Couch is a passionate healthcare professional and devoted community servant whose career spans over 37 years in the medical field. 
She proudly holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating in 2013. Her academic journey began with degrees in Medical Laboratory Technology and Biology, which provided her with a robust foundation for her thriving career in nursing. A pivotal moment in Dr. Couch's life occurred in 2000 when she gave her life to Christ, a decision that profoundly shaped her personal and professional journey. Her faith has inspired her to engage deeply in various ministries, including roles in Christian hospitality. As a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Biblical Studies, she earned her Biblical Counseling Certification, further enhancing her ability to support and uplift those around her. Currently an active member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Dr. Couch serves as both a worship leader and church clerk. Her commitment to social justice and community support is evident through her volunteer work with organizations such as the Harrison County NAACP, the West Virginia Black Heritage Festival, and Friends Feeding Friends. In her extensive nursing career, Dr. Couch has excelled in various roles, including Parish Nurse, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Manager, Telehealth Coordinator, and Educator. Through her compassionate care and dedication to health and wellness, she has significantly influenced countless lives, encouraging her student to reach their full potential and empowering patients to advocate for their own health. Relocating to Clarksburg, WV, in 2021, Dr. Couch continues to take leaps of faith as she pursues her dream job as a professional encourager. Her future goals include working with disadvantaged children, obtaining certification in theology, adding to her work with outreach ministry, and traveling the world to expand her horizons. Dr. Couch finds inspiration in the words of Jeremiah 29:11, 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. She cherishes her family, including her son Leander and his wife Autumn, and strives to make a lasting impact in both the healthcare field and her local community through her unwavering faith and dedication to service.
She proudly holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, graduating in 2013. Her academic journey began with degrees in Medical Laboratory Technology and Biology, which provided her with a robust foundation for her thriving career in nursing. A pivotal moment in Dr. Couch's life occurred in 2000 when she gave her life to Christ, a decision that profoundly shaped her personal and professional journey. Her faith has inspired her to engage deeply in various ministries, including roles in Christian hospitality. As a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Biblical Studies, she earned her Biblical Counseling Certification, further enhancing her ability to support and uplift those around her. Currently an active member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Dr. Couch serves as both a worship leader and church clerk. Her commitment to social justice and community support is evident through her volunteer work with organizations such as the Harrison County NAACP, the West Virginia Black Heritage Festival, and Friends Feeding Friends. In her extensive nursing career, Dr. Couch has excelled in various roles, including Parish Nurse, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Manager, Telehealth Coordinator, and Educator. Through her compassionate care and dedication to health and wellness, she has significantly influenced countless lives, encouraging her student to reach their full potential and empowering patients to advocate for their own health. Relocating to Clarksburg, WV, in 2021, Dr. Couch continues to take leaps of faith as she pursues her dream job as a professional encourager. Her future goals include working with disadvantaged children, obtaining certification in theology, adding to her work with outreach ministry, and traveling the world to expand her horizons. Dr. Couch finds inspiration in the words of Jeremiah 29:11, 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. She cherishes her family, including her son Leander and his wife Autumn, and strives to make a lasting impact in both the healthcare field and her local community through her unwavering faith and dedication to service.
Sherice L. Holland
Born on July 2, 1963, to the parents of Okey Roosevelt and Barbara Jean Holland in Beckley. In 2009, Sherice’s friend, Julie Garvin 
decided to open up her own law firm. Not only did she work alongside Julie, as a paralegal, she was also her family. The firm specialized on abuse and neglect cases, where the goal is to help reunite families. In 2009, she joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksburg, under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Rahasaan Armand. In 2014, he asked her to be his Admin, and served under his leadership in helping her church and served as church clerk and helped in the church kitchen ministry.
decided to open up her own law firm. Not only did she work alongside Julie, as a paralegal, she was also her family. The firm specialized on abuse and neglect cases, where the goal is to help reunite families. In 2009, she joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Clarksburg, under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Rahasaan Armand. In 2014, he asked her to be his Admin, and served under his leadership in helping her church and served as church clerk and helped in the church kitchen ministry.
Well, in 2020, the “killer disease” (COVID-19) for African American people hit the State of West Virginia. Pastor Armand positioned himself on the Task Force so that he could educate his church on this “killer disease” and suggested that Sherice get on the Task Force. The State funded a program and she, along with three other young African American women, became the West Virginia University RADX Team. This was “war” and they went out on the battlefield educating African American people about COVID and how important it was to get tested. The set-up testing centers at churches and Kelly Miller Building so that people could come get tested. And if they couldn’t come in for testing, they went to them. She traveled to several counties to help test and protect people. In 2021, she become certified with WVU CITI, to get people to consent to do home testing. In addition to working tirelessly for her church family, she has also worked Friends Feeding Friends, serving the community. What she has learned from serving in her community is you don’t know everyone’s story and you shouldn’t tell their story and one day that could be your story. Don’t judge -- just serve.
Brandi Nicole Payne Johnson
Brandi Nicole (Payne) Johnson a1993 graduate of Washington Irving High School and Clarksburg native, is the daughter of the late Ennis Charles "CP" or
"Charlie" Payne I & Brenda (John) Garrett. She is the mother of 4 children, has 9 grandchildren and 3 bonus grands. Brandi started babysitting her younger cousins at the age of 9 until becoming a parent herself at the age of 19. For most of her adult life, she was a stay-at-home mom, until 2008 when she started her career in Healthcare at Clarksburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (CNRC). In 2009, she relocated to Martinsburg, WV, and in 2010, went to work for Community Networks at the Bethany House, a women & children's homeless shelter. In 2014, she returned home to Clarksburg and CNRC until 2019, when she took a position at River Oaks Healthcare Center. In 2021 Brandi made a career change and began working for the DoHS (DHHR). This career change allowed Brandi to provide care for her mother and stepfather, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017. Even with all her daily responsibilities she tries to find the time to be present for her 12 grandchildren. Brandi credits her close relationship with the Lord, friends and family who pray for and encourage her as well as her cousin Shonna who is more like a baby sister, for keeping her going. She continues to make a difference in the lives of others with words of encouragement, laughter, and prayer. Her goal at 50 is to keep growing as a person and in God’s word, to be accountable, love hard and show tough love, and to continue helping those in need, both personally and professionally.
"Charlie" Payne I & Brenda (John) Garrett. She is the mother of 4 children, has 9 grandchildren and 3 bonus grands. Brandi started babysitting her younger cousins at the age of 9 until becoming a parent herself at the age of 19. For most of her adult life, she was a stay-at-home mom, until 2008 when she started her career in Healthcare at Clarksburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (CNRC). In 2009, she relocated to Martinsburg, WV, and in 2010, went to work for Community Networks at the Bethany House, a women & children's homeless shelter. In 2014, she returned home to Clarksburg and CNRC until 2019, when she took a position at River Oaks Healthcare Center. In 2021 Brandi made a career change and began working for the DoHS (DHHR). This career change allowed Brandi to provide care for her mother and stepfather, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017. Even with all her daily responsibilities she tries to find the time to be present for her 12 grandchildren. Brandi credits her close relationship with the Lord, friends and family who pray for and encourage her as well as her cousin Shonna who is more like a baby sister, for keeping her going. She continues to make a difference in the lives of others with words of encouragement, laughter, and prayer. Her goal at 50 is to keep growing as a person and in God’s word, to be accountable, love hard and show tough love, and to continue helping those in need, both personally and professionally.
Niki Riley
Niki Riley is a 22-year-old from West Milford, WV. They are currently attending 
Pierpont Technical and Community College to pursue a degree in Paralegal Studies. Niki currently volunteers at the Clarksburg First United Methodist Church on Mondays, Thursday, and Fridays at, “The Circle, A Community for All.” This community center is open from 11 am-2 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There, along with ResCo and the WV Wesleyan Center of Restorative Justice, they prepare meals for the unhoused and impoverished members of the community, assist the clients in getting necessary resources for housing, healthcare, and safety, and create a sense of community by hosting Circle conversations on Mondays and Fridays. When they graduate college, Niki hopes to continue their work with the unhoused full-time and become a CASA volunteer.
Pierpont Technical and Community College to pursue a degree in Paralegal Studies. Niki currently volunteers at the Clarksburg First United Methodist Church on Mondays, Thursday, and Fridays at, “The Circle, A Community for All.” This community center is open from 11 am-2 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There, along with ResCo and the WV Wesleyan Center of Restorative Justice, they prepare meals for the unhoused and impoverished members of the community, assist the clients in getting necessary resources for housing, healthcare, and safety, and create a sense of community by hosting Circle conversations on Mondays and Fridays. When they graduate college, Niki hopes to continue their work with the unhoused full-time and become a CASA volunteer.
Constance Rucker
Constance was born on December 12, 1953 to Jeanette Rucker White in Clarksburg, she is 1 of 6 children. She is mother to a daughter Tina and two grandchildren Shaneka and Malik Hilliard. Constance graduated from Washington Irving High School and attended Salem College. She was
employed at the WV Department of Employment Services as an employment Interviewer. She then relocated to Bladensburg, MD (suburb of Washington, DC) where she resided for over thirty years. Her most rewarding job was working with Sarah and Jim Brady with the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and aided with the passage of the Brady Law (7 day waiting period before handgun purchase). As the Community Outreach Coordinator, she went on to be the National Volunteer Coordinator for the Million Mom March. After returning to Clarksburg, she has worked at the Clarksburg-Harrison Library and Sam’s Club. Constance is a member of the Clarksburg Baptist Church and is active in the community. She volunteers in her community to make sure seniors make it to their appointments to the doctors and does their shopping. She is always helping where needed.
employed at the WV Department of Employment Services as an employment Interviewer. She then relocated to Bladensburg, MD (suburb of Washington, DC) where she resided for over thirty years. Her most rewarding job was working with Sarah and Jim Brady with the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and aided with the passage of the Brady Law (7 day waiting period before handgun purchase). As the Community Outreach Coordinator, she went on to be the National Volunteer Coordinator for the Million Mom March. After returning to Clarksburg, she has worked at the Clarksburg-Harrison Library and Sam’s Club. Constance is a member of the Clarksburg Baptist Church and is active in the community. She volunteers in her community to make sure seniors make it to their appointments to the doctors and does their shopping. She is always helping where needed.
Editor's Note: Photos were provided to Connect-Bridgeport by Elinda Carson to run with this week's edition of The Grapevine.
