Trinity Mission resident Evelyn Jenkins was the proud and excited winner of the Ms. Stars and Stripes Beauty Pageant held July 1st at the Texas Theater in downtown Waxahachie. There were three other contestants and they were all from Trinity Mission—Willie Inman, Opal Lamb and Audrey Aldredge.

The Master of Ceremonies was our very own Italy pastor, Todd Gray of Central Baptist Church. Pastor Gray opened the the program with a prayer. He said he was honored to come and be a part of this celebration of life that God has given these wonderful people.

The first event to be judged was “inner beauty.” Pastor Gray read a biography of each contestant’s life consisting of what they have learned and accomplished through the years.

The Talent event was next. Opal Lamb and Willie Inman each read one of their favorite poems and bible scripture. Audrey Aldredge had several of her paintings she created as a free lance artist on display and Evelyn Jenkins played a variety of songs on the piano including I’ll Fly Away and Have a Talk With Jesus.

The evening gown category was the last event where the women wore their beautiful gowns. When I asked Evelyn about her gown she replied, “My gown was purple with glitter on it. It really was a pretty gown. The other contestants had pretty dresses too, they all had purple gowns except one and it was sort of a dark color. It was so exciting.”

When asked what she thought about winning the Ms. Stars and Stripes Beauty Pageant, Jenkins said, "Well I just thought it was an honor and I was just so pleased to think that as old as I am I was still asked to be in the pageant. I enjoyed it so much. I thought it was a very pretty stage and I had a wonderful time. I won a real nice plaque and a crown and I was given a beautiful bouquet of flowers, they were so beautiful. When they announced my name as the winner, of course, I had to cry just a little because I have never been in anything like this and I won! I was so excited and my granddaughters and daughters were there and were excited for me too. At the Texas Theater they had all kinds of finger food and champagne and being as I won I decided to have a little champagne!

Chris Baker (marketing director for Trinity Mission) said, "We had the Ms. Stars and Stripes Pageant on Thursday, July 1st and we had four contestants. Evelyn was our winner and she received a crown, flowers and a plaque. Evelyn wore a very pretty purple gown and she actually played the piano as her talent. Everyone loved her and her family was there to support her so it was a great afternoon. Baker went on to say, "I want to say a special thanks to Pastor Todd Gray for coming on short notice and being our MC for the evening. He was great.

Carolyn Powell (activities director) said, “Beauty is only skin deep and it doesn’t matter how old you are. We are proud of Evelyn and all of our family at Trinity Mission.”

Chris Baker said, “When we do events like this one it is just to show our residents that we love them and care for them and we just celebrate life. It is also an awareness for the general public that life doesn’t end once you enter a nursing home. There is still lots of fun to be had.”

Karen Mathiowetz was at the program and said, “Evelyn is my cousin and I am so happy she won, now everyone knows what I have known all along – she is beautiful inside and out, talented and a winner. At ninety years old, she is amazing!”

Congratulations Evelyn Jenkins!