In 2003, Adrienne Booth Johnson wrote a letter to Alice Peoples, seeking information on forming a Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated chapter in Jonesboro, Georgia. Mrs. Johnson believed that many mothers in the Jonesboro area were committed to the idea of bringing together children to develop their spirit of greatness, opportunity, and determination. Murvyn Kelsey, National Editor, assisted Mrs. Johnson in arranging a meeting to discuss guidelines and criteria for chapter establishment. On October 2, 2003, Adrienne Johnson, Cynthia Andrews, and Felicia Franklin-Warner met with Alice Peoples, National Editor Murvyn Kelsey and Southeastern Regional Director Marjorie Belton at the Westin Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Implementing the information obtained during that meeting, the Lake Spivey Provisional Group was formed on October 2, 2003.
The first meeting was held at Shiloh Baptist Church, with eight mothers in attendance. Southeastern Regional Director Belton, Southeastern Regional Associate Chair Ruth Wilson and sponsoring chapter president Valerie Knight (Fayette County Chapter) provided an overview of the national organization, and the role of the local chapters. Lake Spivey Provisional Group’s boundaries were established as Clayton and Henry Counties. The Constitution and Bylaws were approved in November 2003, with the purpose of creating a medium of interaction for our children by providing constructive educational, recreational, social and cultural programming for children and their parents. The first “Family Day” activity included an African-American celebration, with a famous local African folk teller performance. Other activities during the year included museum visits, a black college tour, high tea, etiquette training at the Ritz Carlton, trips to the CNN Center, Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe Performance, and the Black Arts Festival.
The culminating event was the Chapter’s Installation Ceremony. It was held at the Eagle’s Landing Country Club on October 2, 2004 officially creating the Lake Spivey Georgia Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. The twenty chartering mothers were Cynthia Andrews, Teresa Ayala, Margo Berry, Terrace Bowles, Loretta Bush, Nicola Chin, Loretta Clark, Marcia Edwards, Juanita Gobourne, Melody Hodge, Adrienne Johnson, Cara Johnson, Karen Lewis, Tujuania Richardson, Vanessa Richardson, Brenda Stinson, Janet Swearing, Andriette Turner, Felicia Warner, and Elaine Youngblood. Following the installation ceremony, Adrienne Johnson served as the Lake Spivey Georgia Chapter’s first president.
Our Past Presidents
Adrienne Johnson, 2004-2006
Adrienne Johnson served as our chapter’s 1st President. Through President Johnson’s leadership, our chapter continued to incorporate national goals in conjunction with her vision of giving back to the community, encouraging and exposing our children to the benefits of active involvement in community service, cultural events, legislative, financial, and social activities. During President Adrienne’s term, the chapter hosted the annual Metro Atlanta Teen Dance. At the event, she introduced the theme throughout the region of having a parent’s room so that parents did not have to leave. She wanted parents to enjoy a wonderful evening with entertainment allowing mothers from different chapters to get to know each other.
Cara Johnson, 2006-2008
Cara Johnson served as our 2nd chapter President. Under her leadership, Lake Spivey received a grant to support activities, with Patrick Henry High School and the Henry County YMCA. The program was designed to conduct a series of life skills workshops for teens. Programs were provided on topics such as career placement, interviewing skills, and dress for success. Students in the program visited several employers, such as J.C Penney, Publix, and Hennessy Cadillac. They also went on several field trips to various businesses in Henry County. Our chapter focused on implementing the newly identified goals of our national leadership. Lake Spivey hosted the annual Mother’s workday and co-hosted the Children’s Cluster with the Metro Atlanta Chapter. President Johnson’s tenure successfully developed two chapter members as CASA leaders/mentors.
Felicia Howard, 2008-2010
Felicia Howard served as our 3rd chapter President. Under her leadership, Lake Spivey enhanced its community service involvement, began a partnership with Arrowhead Health Care, an assisted living facility in Clayton County, and hosted the Metro Atlanta Hoop It Up program. Each month, Lake Spivey mothers and children volunteer their time to fellowship with the residents of Arrowhead Healthcare and donate various items. During President Howard’s tenure, Lake Spivey began the annual Black Family Day Awards Ceremony. The program recognizes chapter children for outstanding academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements, as well as highlights our graduating seniors. Not only did the first annual program honor our children, but it also served as an avenue for Lake Spivey’s teens to exhibit their leadership skills, as teens were responsible for organizing and implementing the program. Their wonderful talents and hard work did not go unnoticed, as the Lake Spivey Black Family Day Awards Ceremony was honored and received a Leadership Award at the 2010 National Convention.
Jamnique Walton-Kengwa, 2010-2012
Dr. Jamnique Walton-Kengwa served as our 4th chapter President. During her presidency, the chapter focused on membership and bylaws. The chapter’s membership increased by thirteen (13) mothers and the bylaws were updated to more closely align with the national bylaws. The chapter continued its monthly service projects with Arrowhead Healthcare, House of Dawn, the annual AIDS and cancer walks, Hosea Feed the Hungry, and voter registration participation campaigns. Under Dr. Jamnique Walton- Kengwa’s presidency, the Lake Spivey chapter was recognized for having 100% participation in our regional Penpal and Book Club activities. In addition, our chapter’s program director was recognized as one of the top Program Directors during the National Convention.
Chaundra Lewis, 2012-2014
Attorney Chaundra Lewis served as our 5th chapter President. She was committed to continuing the goals and objectives set forth by the national office. Under her leadership, the chapter enhanced its philanthropic efforts. Lake Spivey began inviting non-profit organizations to its annual Black Family Day celebration, to receive monetary donations raised through Lake Spivey’s various fundraisers. President Chaundra was also committed to beginning the process of creating Lake Spivey’s first Policies and Procedures Manual. During her presidency, Lake Spivey successfully hosted the annual Metro Atlanta Teen Dance and successfully co-hosted the Metro Atlanta Children’s Cluster. President Chaundra formed the committee that planned Lake Spivey’s ten-year anniversary celebration and oversaw the initiation of five (5) mothers into the chapter.
Jori Smith-Mann, 2014-2016
Jori Smith-Mann served as the 6th President of the Lake Spivey, Georgia Chapter. Elected 2014, she led the Lake Spivey Chapter through its ten-year anniversary celebration which reflected all the hard work, fun, and love that has taken place throughout the years. During her tenure, she established the first active Father’s Auxiliary. She felt it was extremely important to include the fathers in programming so that our children and all children could be exposed first-hand, to the great works of African American Fathers. She also initiated the action to make Lake Spivey Chapter a five-star chapter. President Jori incorporated the community through the leadership of our children and teens. Under her leadership, two major initiatives were introduced: (1) The now annual Historical Black College University and STEM event geared towards introducing chapter and community children to the history, influence, and importance of black history, colleges and universities, as well as the importance of exposing African American children to the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum, and careers; and (2) the Teens Senior Farewell Program which celebrates college and trade school acceptances, scholarship recipients of graduating teens. The program also gifts the teens with a starter basket for dorm rooms and monetary donations. It was her desire to reflect and recognize the achievements of the young men and women in our chapter. During her term, thirteen (13) mothers were initiated into the chapter. President Jori also planned the charter and installed the first Lake Spivey Associate’s Group in May 2016.
Deidrea Collins, 2016-2018
Deidrea Collins served the chapter as its 7th President. She marked her term by setting a tone of grace and inspiration within the chapter. Deidrea believes that we need to understand the spirit of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. from its beginning and incorporate an atmosphere of family, love, and grace when we are in the presence of one another. With this belief, she introduced the “R.E.A.L.” initiative for the Lake Spivey, Georgia Chapter. REAL is being Respectful, Empowering, Authentic, and Loving while leading. With a commitment to being REAL, Deidrea believed we will inspire our children as well as each other to greatness. She believes that we can accomplish much by appreciating each other for who we are and allowing each person to work in their gift, talents, and skills. Having a more energetic and empowered chapter, during her term, Deidrea envisioned the Lake Spivey, Georgia Chapter as having more of an impact in the community by leading the following: advocacy of youth empowerment through knowledge of being aware of social issues that directly affect them, providing the tools and resources available for college preparation, and supporting the community through philanthropic gifts and volunteer service. During her tenure, she implemented a children’s survey for each group chair to distribute at the end of group activities, in order to get direct feedback from each participant. These surveys have provided information regarding “activity effectiveness” for each participant (what did they learn /was it fun). As a culminating event for Spring 2018, IPP Deidrea recognized youth in Henry and Clayton counties for their accomplishments in areas of leadership, community service, education, and character at the chapter’s inaugural Lake Spivey Honors Luncheon on April 14, 2018, at the Georgia Aquarium.
Yvette Christian, 2018-2020
Yvette Christian, served as the chapter’s 8th President. She is dedicated to moving the chapter forward with G.R.A.C.E. Understanding that it will take the driving force of GRACE (giving, respect, assistance, consolation, and exhortation) she is excited to see where this journey will take Lake Spivey as a whole. Being surrounded by powerful and impactful women is an honor to her, and she is energized to utilize her gifts in collaboration with the executive board and chapter members to inspire and empower children to greatness. President Yvette envisions a chapter whose name is recognized in the community and is synonymous with impact and service. She looks forward to joining the ranks of other Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapters who have been acknowledged as 5 Star chapters of excellence. Ultimately, she desires to begin and end her tenure being recognized as a servant leader who had the “Power to Make a Difference”.
Tonya Smalls, 2020 – 2022
Dr. Tonya Smalls, CPA served as the Chapter’s 9th President. Although Chapter President (CP) Tonya’s term started during the pandemic, her leadership helped the Chapter maintain a focus on working diligently, collectively, and strategically to ensure that our local programming remained stellar and our service to the community remained impactful. Our local efforts fully supported and aligned with our Regional theme of “Empowering All Children with Passion, Purpose, and Pride” and our National theme “The Power to Make a Difference for All Children ... On Mission. On Purpose.”
CP Tonya truly believed in and focused on the Chapter having a commitment to Thriving Together. Thriving Together with a focus on our entire Lake Spivey GA Chapter Family, which includes our children, Chapter Mothers, Associate Jewels, and Father’s Auxiliary. Thriving Together with a focus on improving the efficiency of chapter operations and establishing effective policies and procedures. Thriving Together as we increased our level of support of the Jack and Jill Foundation, Inc., enhanced our focus on community outreach and engagement, and identified ways to have a stronger impact on the Henry County and Clayton County communities we serve.
Under CP Tonya’s leadership, the Chapter launched “Thriving Together” initiatives that further developed and improved the leadership skills of our youth and Teens, established mentoring programs for new Mother Members, facilitated more effective succession planning and improved preparedness of Mothers and Teens to serve in leadership roles, strengthened engagement and collaboration with the Associates and the Father’s Auxiliary, increased awareness and support of businesses owned by members of our Lake Spivey GA Chapter Family, streamlined our Chapter processes and increased Mother Member engagement, and enhanced our community presence and opportunities to focus on empowering all children.
Our commitment to Thriving Together led us down the path of success as the Chapter implemented CP Tonya’ vision of establishing the Chapter’s very first Golf Tournament, “Pink Skirts and Blue Polos”, in 2021 and continued the event as our signature fundraiser in 2022; served as first time co-host for the Southeastern Regional Teen Leadership Conference in 2021; expanded our impact and support of organizations that focused on youth initiatives such as Make-A-Wish GA, The Boys and Girls Club of Clayton County, and the Shaquille O’Neal Boys and Girls Club of Henry County. Under CP Tonya’s leadership, the Chapter established the Lake Spivey GA Chapter’s “Big Back Yard Project” at the Shaquille O’Neal Boys and Girls Club, and in May 2022 held the ribbon cutting ceremony for the “Tranquility Zone” which was Phase 1 of the Big Back Yard Project. The Chapter received the 3rd Place Foundation per capita giving award and received “Blue Ribbon Bylaws” recognition at the 2021 SER Regional Conference, won the SER 3rd Place award for National Best of the Best Programming during cycle 1 of the PY 2021-2022 recognition period, and welcomed 10 New Mother Members in May 2022. In July 2022, at the 45th National Convention of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the Lake Spivey GA Chapter received a Certificate of Appreciation from the National Strategic Planning Committee for a focus on Chapter Strategic Planning Initiatives during the 2021-2022 Program Year, a certificate recognizing Digital Cheetah Officer Compliance for 2021-2022 Program Year, and 5 Star Chapter of Excellence recognition for the 2020 -2022 biennium!
Chaundra Lewis, 2022 - 2024
Judge Chaundra Lewis served as the Chapter’s 10th President. CP Chaundra’s vision, in addition to continuing the stellar programming for our children, was to “Educate.Empower.Engage.” our community and our mothers. The Mothers, Fathers, Associates, Teens and Children of the Lake Spivey Georgia Chapter were up for the task! During her tenure, the chapter educated the community with a STEM fair (in partnership with a local school), teen voter canvassing (in partnership with the Henry County NAACP Youth Council) and social media voting Public Service Announcements. We educated our mothers through a historic Carole Robertson Day trip to Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church, through monthly reports from a phenomenal Health and Wellness Committee and with the revival of our end-of-year Kwanzaa celebration. We empowered our community, one family at a time, through Habitat for Humanity Builds, benefitting both Henry and Clayton Counties. Additionally, we empowered the youth at the Henry County Boys and Girls Club by enhancing their community garden, a part of our ongoing Big Backyard Project. Our mothers were empowered through unforgettable Founders’ Day and Associates Appreciation events, and with a powerful self-defense and fraud protection class. We engaged our community through partnerships with Black Voters Matter and by co-hosting “We The People Teen Town Hall,” with the East Suburban Atlanta Chapter. With the help of a strong Membership Committee, we engaged our mothers with an extremely successful Mentor/Mentee Program and exciting social activities. Under Chaundra’s leadership, we began “Chapter Check-In with CP,” intimate meetings designed to create a safe space for program and membership inquiries, the sharing of best practices and providing suggestions for chapter improvement.
Beyond the chapter, CP Chaundra chaired a successful 2023 Georgia Children’s Cluster, which hosted ten Georgia Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapters. And, she co-chaired the 2023 Metro-Atlanta Teen Community Service Project, open to more than a dozen chapters, benefitting Hosea Helps and MiMi’s Pantry.
Following the first year of CP Chaundra’s tenure, at the 2023 Southeastern Mothers’ Regional Conference, the chapter received first place in per capita foundation giving and third place in overall foundation giving for the region, the direct result of a lucrative 3rd annual Pink Skirts and Blue Polos Charity Golf Classic, thanks to the generosity of numerous supporters. We received recognition as a “Digital Cheetah Chapter of Excellence,” awarded to only 14 of 52 chapters. We placed in the top ten for community service hours for our region. And, our Royal Teens received third place in foundation giving during the 2023 Southeastern Region Teen Conference. During this time, CP Chaundra also began representing the chapter on a regional level, having been selected to serve as the Chair of the 2023 Southeastern Mothers’ Regional Conference Rules and Regulations Committee. Following the conference, she was appointed by Regional Director Takeysha Lewis to serve as the 2023-2025 Southeastern Region Parliamentarian.
Following the second year of CP Chaundra’s term, at the 2024 Jack and Jill of America, Inc. National Convention, Chaundra represented the chapter on the national level, as a member of the National Rules and Regulations Committee. During the convention, the Lake Spivey Georgia Chapter had the honor of receiving the coveted Five Star Award, for the third time, for extraordinary work during the 2022-2024 program years! Our Royal Teens were also recognized in the summer of 2024, receiving third place in their scrapbook submission during Teen Conference, which highlighted their exceptional programming, community service and leadership.
CP Chaundra’s term culminated with the initiation of ten outstanding ladies into the Lake Spivey Georgia Chapter, who will surely aid in strengthening the principles upon which the chapter was founded, and continue the great legacy of children and teen programming, leadership and service.