In my book I’ve been working on
for over two years I have a chapter titled "LOL - Little Old Ladies." In that chapter I try to honor some of the church ladies who have meant so much to me during my preaching years. Among those is the one to whom a towel as a symbol of service is presented for August.
In the more than thirty-three years I have been associated with the College Avenue Church there is none who has served as many as Willa Hooker.
I know of no home to which more have been invited than Willa and Wattie’s and Willa and Bill’s home.
I know of no woman in this congregation who has taught as many Bible classes as Willa Hooker.
I know of no one who has prepared more meals for others than Willa Hooker.
I know of none who have given good counsel and advice to as many as Willa Hooker, especially young girls and young women.
While she may not have birthed children, she has served as surrogate mother, grandmother, and great grandmother as the beloved "Maw Willa". Her nurturing has extended to my younger children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They, with many others, arise up to called her blessed.
I believe I can truthfully say…none has served so many, so faithfully, for so long…and because of this…none is more deserving than the one to whom this Servant’s Towel is presented.
She is a rare combination of Betty Crocker, A cook par excellent; Dorcas, A queen of the needle; Priscilla, A teacher expounding the way of God; Abigail, The peacemaker; and Phoebe, a deaconess (servant) of the Church.
It has been an honor to have a part in giving honor to whom honor is due. –Bill Allen

College Avenue Church