PAMELA TILLEY WINS 1ST PLACE
IN QUILT CONTEST
Article reprinted with permission from Maureen Dymond, U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Houston Army Veteran wins first place with "Cathay Williams" quilt tribute
Pamela Tilley with her first place quilt entry titled "Cathay Williams"
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By Maya Jordan, Public Affairs Specialist
November 18, 2024 Pamela Tilley knows a thing or two about using her hands to stitch, the retired Army nurse weaves about 1800 pieces of cotton for making quilts, a way she honors military heroes. This year her quilt, “Cathay Williams” won first place in the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition, at the Houston VA. “I want to tell the stories of Veterans all the time, their stories are a symbol of strength, courage, and resilience,” said Tilley. Her quilt is a tribute to African American Cathay Williams, the first female to enlist in the U.S. Army as a woman while posing as a man named William Cathay during the Indian Wars. During the Prohibition era, it was illegal for women to serve however after passing the medical exam Williams, was able to work as a cook for Gen. Phillip Sheridan. After Williams, was discharged she applied for a disability pension based on her military service and was denied and later died due to health complications. Tilley, says our stories need to be told, everyone needs to hear not only our service stories but also the tragedies service members face. First, she uses software that captures a photograph and then the system creates a mosaic and gives her pieces. To date, her collection of quilts includes portraits of monumental female Veterans such as retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught, Harriett Tubman, The Underground Railroad, 6888th Postal Service Battalion, and many more. This is not Tilley’s first time participating in the competition, she placed in 2013. |
How did you learn how to quilt?
After retiring in 1991 at Fort Hunter Liggett in California, she found herself visiting all the wineries in the area, when she stumbled across the small town of Paso Robles. Because of boredom, she decided to pick up a new hobby and took a class under famous quilt maker, Eleanor Burns. “The first quilt I ever made showcased a Veteran mother and child who lived under a bridge,” she said. She owns nine Brother sewing machines. Fifteen of her first quilts have been displayed on tour exhibitions around universities and museums worldwide. What’s next? Currently, she is working on a quilt that highlights 50 Iraq and Afghan Veterans hoping to complete the two quilts for presentation in the upcoming International Quilt Festival. “I’m telling you I’ve put every shoe, foot, toe, I can think of into this thing,” said Tilley. The creative is on a mission to ensure that Veterans' stories are not lost in translation or forgotten. Originally from Freeport, Texas, she resonates with Williams because she was about 17 when she entered the service and had to obtain a waiver. Next year Tilley will fly out to have her work compete at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. “As a Veteran, my goal is to educate people that Veterans can apply their military skills in the civilian world to help shape a community,” she said. |
Pam Tilley is member of the Lay Organization, active on the Local, District of the Annual Conference, Episcopal District and the Connectional levels. She previously served as the Historiographer of the Connectional Lay Organization. Retired military, she has a love for quilting, especially those that tell a story.
THELMA D. KENNEDY-MALVEAUX
NAMED 2024 LAY PERSON OF THE YEAR
Tenth Episcopal District Lay Organization
February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025
The Tenth District Lay Organization named its Lay Person of the Year during the Founder's Day celebration at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Dallas, TX on February 5, 2025. Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Thelma D. Kennedy-Malveaux for being selected as Lay Person of the Year for 2024. Thelma-Kennedy Malveaux BIO
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2024 STATE LAY CONVENTION
The 10th District Lay Organization held an abbreviated State Convention at Anderson Chapel AME Church in Killeen, TX, during the 10th District Planning Meeting in Killeen, on November 8th and 9th, 2024. The Convention started on Friday with a luncheon to honor Legacy Circle contributors . The Lay Organization welcomed newly assigned episcopal leadership, Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr. (Guest Speaker) and Episcopal Supervisor, Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Brailsford, along with Connectional Lay President, Matikane Abednego Makiti. On Saturday, the abbreviated session included the President’s message, 2024 - 2025 Training Schedule, budget presentation and the election and installation of new officers which was conducted by President Makiti.
LAY LUNCHEON
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BECOME A PART OF OUR
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LAY WITNESS SUNDAY
Jacquelyn Dupont WalkerThe 10th District Lay Organization held its 2024 Lay Witness Service on October 13, 2024. Jacquelyn Dupont Walker, Consultant to the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, was the guest speaker. To see the complete service, click on the video below.
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2024 HONORING OUR VETERANSThank you for your service!
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW EPISCOPAL LEADERS
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
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Apply for a Scholarship sponsored by the Tenth Episcopal District Lay Organization. Application Directions Application Form CLICK HERE |
A word from our Historiographer...
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