Meet the Grandmothers of Hope Team
Myrtice Robinson
Founder and President
Myrtice Robinson, a “born again,” Holy Spirit-led servant of God who has been called by Jehovah God to serve His people. She was born in Camilla, GA and enjoyed her childhood with Christian parents and seven siblings. She is married with three adult daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren. She is a retired educator with 35 years of classroom teaching. She received her BS degree in middle school education from Albany State University in Albany, GA. After retirement, God gave her the opportunity to pursue her many years desired dream to study His Word at a Christian University. On December 16, 2016, Myrtice received a master’s degree in Christian Ministry and Bible Counseling from Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Myrtice has a passion for supporting Christian ministry through charity, writing, Bible counseling and teaching the will of God. She is the author of a published book titled The Power of Obedience and has written several Bible based teaching articles, booklets, and lessons designed to enhance spiritual growth. She is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Myrtice is the founder and overseer of the Christian Reading Tea Society Ministry, Inc. in Orlando, FL. In addition, she is the president and overseer of the Grandmothers of Hope Society, Inc. established in Orlando, FL.
Myrtice attends Church at The Cross with her family in Orlando, FL.
Favorite saying, “God is Good, and God is worthy to be praised.”
Edna B. Ellison
Vice President
I am Edna B. Ellison and I am 68 years young. I was reared by my grandmother and saved at the age of 9 years, but was rededicated and re baptized at the age of 23 years. My desire is to be an empty vessel to be used by God. My mother and bonus father lived only a block away with eight of my twenty two siblings. My father and bonus mother lived in a town only 30 minutes away with ten of those siblings. Having been brought up in a household of uncles and being a part of such a blended family, God has prepared me to have a heart that can be extended to encompass an endless number of his people. The ministries that I have been called to at this point in my life are: Covenant Hearts (A couples ministry) The Store House Hygiene Project (hygiene packets for the homeless) and Everlasting Covenant Community Church of Central Florida (my place of worship). I have been married to Henry A. Ellison for 37 years. We have four children, April, Lawanda, Auturieo and Ricardo. From these we have 15 grandchildren, biological and inherited. They are Diamond, Ilijah, Leilanys, Justin, Jada, Karixia, Alexis, Britanis, Leixia, Angelina, Amir, Nasseer, Dylan, Blake, and Christopher. I love to bake and do Zumba.
Brenda Wider
Treasurer
Brenda Wider was born in Eastover, South Carolina and was number 13 out of 15 children. She attended Midlands Technical college and studied business office. In 1978, Brenda and her husband Edward relocated to Tampa, Florida. In 1981 the couple was blessed with twins while living in Lubbock, Texas. After three years in Omaha, Nebraska the couple moved to Orlando, Florida in 1985. Brenda joined Pine Hills Community Church and currently attends Everlasting Covenant Community Church. Brenda joined the Reading Tea Society Ministry where she visits and prays for cancer patients in the Orlando metropolitan area. Brenda has been saved since 1985. She is active in the Grandmothers of Hope Ministry and enjoys spending time with her two children and six grandchildren.
Joann Coleman Greene
Vice Treasurer
My name is Joann Coleman Greene and I am 72 years young, raised by my grandparents John and Elnora Coleman until the age of 15.
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of 12 years old, went to live with my parents Alfreda and Willie Norris also at age 15. I graduated from Jones High school in Orlando, Fl. in 1966, Attended nursing school ,graduated and was license by the state of fl. as a LPN in 1968,retired from nursing in January 2015. I'm married to my husband Herbert L. Greene for 50 years which we celebrated in June 2019. To our union we had five children 1 daughter and 4 sons, our daughter is deceased. Also have 17 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and all of them bring me joy. I enjoy listening to all types of music, dancing and sports.
Maxine Shackelford
Chaplin
I am Maxine Jeffries Shackelford, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and resident of Orlando, FL since 2007.
I am a board member for "The Grandmother's of Hope Society where I serve as Chaplain. I am a born again Christian, and a member of Everlasting Covenant Church of Central Florida and active in the Hospitality Ministry, The Womens Ministry and Bible Study. I'm a Volunteer at Foundation Academy Christian School with the Drama Department, and dedicate four hours a week for an individual with a learning disability.
I am a Caregiver for my 88 year old mother, who lives with me. I am the mother of one daughter, Shelia Re'nae Adams (Tyrone), and grandmother to Bethany Grace Adams. In addition, I am blessed with four bonus children, 6 bonus grandchildren and one bonus great-grand son.
I received my education from Horace Mann High School, Velvatex College of Beauty Culture in Little Rock Arkansas. Also, a certification from Little Rock Skills Center, in business and Dale Carnegie for Public Speaking and Public Relations.
I am a retiree of Southwest Airlines where I worked as a Reservation Agent and a Customer Service Agent. In addition, I worked at Final Touch Beauty Salon and an Independent agent as a Caterer.
Rose Bryant
Newsletter Manager and Historian
My name is Rose Bryant. I was born and raised in central Florida. I was raised by my mother but I spent a lot of time with my grandmother on my mother’s side.
As a teenager I would go to her house weekly to help her clean, wash and braid her hair. Later as a teenager, she came to live with us and I would continue to help her with her needs until she passed away.
I am currently married to Tony Bryant for 12 years. I have 5 sons which 3 are mines and 2 through marriage. They are Quinton, Kevin, Andre, Earl, and Cedrick. I have 15 grandchildren which 7 are from my sons and 8 through marriage. I also have 4 great grandchildren through marriage.
I accepted Christ at a young age but I rededicated my life to Christ about 25 years ago. I love creating things such as sewing, baking, crafting, re-purposing/restoring wooden furniture and dancing. Most of all I love acting up for Christ. I am an actress and my goal is to act in as many Christian/Gospel films as I can with hopes of bringing others to Christ.
Patricia Grier Smith
Facebook Manager
I am Patricia Grier Smith, (67). I was born and raised in Williamston, South Carolina, a small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If the truth be told, both my brother and I were raised by immediate and extended family, as well as the neighboring community members of that very small town. However, my primary care givers were my dad and both my grandmothers. During my elementary school years, I lived with my maternal grandmother and attended Victoria FB Holiness Church. From grade 6 and throughout my college years, I attended New Prospect Baptist Church with my dad and fraternal grandmother. I was baptized at age 11, but did not fully submit my life to Christ until much later. I graduated HS in '71 and from SC State College 4 years later. I have been happily married to Ronald L Smith since 1973. To this union, God blessed us with three sons, two daughters and ten grandchildren. I am currently a retired educator, having logged 40 years of serving children and colleagues in the Orange County Public School system in Orlando, Florida. I am also a child of the most high God; continuously growing in the grace and knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ, for some 42 years, now. I enjoy travel, reading, playing board games, doing jigsaw puzzles, shopping, visiting and/or hosting my grandchildren.