I am honored to have been thought of and nominated for the Marilynn Smith Award by my Central Section LPGA President, Courtney Mahon.
Hello Confidants, Constituents, and Comrades,
Thank you, Courtney!
In all honesty, to tell the truth, I would be lying if I said it didn’t break my heart—and yes, I was horrendously disappointed—when I first read on Veterans Day (11-11-25) that I didn’t receive enough votes. For 18 years in the LPGA, 13 of those years as one of very few Certified Class A Women of Color Golf Professionals, and a total of 40 years of service dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone—regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, education, economic status, sexual orientation, or political preference—it stung deeply.
Marilynn Smith was a true advocate and confidant, and I know she would have been happy that I was nominated for an award in her name. I can rest assured that I received her vote from Heaven, along with Mary Lou Crocker, Kathy Whitworth, Rhonda Glenn, Wendy Boyd, and Judy Bell. RIH, my confidants.
As I said before, when I first read the email, I was heartbroken.
But after a little prayer and reflecting on my dear friend Dr. Sheron Patterson’s message as guest speaker at SaintsVille Cathedral Baptist Church on Sunday (11-9-25), her word from the Lord— “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Wow, how profound those words were! It truly takes a lot of nerve to give thanks in all circumstances!
I am grateful and give thanks for all the girls, boys, women, and men I’ve been blessed to meet on this wonderful journey.
I remind myself to major on what is major and not waste time on the minor. Our world faces issues far more important than awards—issues critical to our very existence. Therefore, I thank God for His mercy and grace that allow me to continue using the gifts He’s blessed me with to do His will—to be a blessing, to give, and to serve.
The best awards to receive in life are good health, loyal family, faithful friends—and, let’s be honest, a little bit of money won’t hurt!
My SheRos
Kathy Hubbard, Tamika Robinson, Dr. Sheron Patterson, Dr. Opal Lee, Ann Williams, Emma Rogers, Jill Darden, Carol Wise, Joyce Morgan Danford, Cathy Harbin, Debert Cook, Renee Powell, Marty Leonard, Jan Belle Jan, Clemmie Perry, Marvel Bernard, Oneida Costello, Avis Brown, Nancy Henderson, Ashuante Epps, Laura Diaz, Stacey Dennis, Maluana Doutch, Selena Johnson, Carol Thorpe, Paula Tucker, Angelique Johnson, Judith Rhodes, Esther Wilson, Carolyn Suttles, Emma Mosley, Desma Reid Coleman, Former Wayne County Commissioner Edna Bell, Former Oakland County Judge Denise Langford Morris, Jackie Vaughn, Zoe McDonald, Anna Anders, LaJean Gould, Carmen Blank, Ann Williams, Emma Rogers, Deb Vangelow, Debbie Waitkus, Deborah Jackson, Angela Johnson, Sandy LaBauve, Isabel Jimenez, Diana Gregory, Kaye Lovelace Oliver, Dr. Kent, Sharron Christian, Pam Smith, Carol Huntley Little, Jenell Rayford, Sherri Blair, Kusana Turner—and many more women in the industry who are pillars of success, continuing to recognize and respect each other’s service in whatever profession they work or serve.
My HeRos
Byron Robinson, Michael Hubbard, Elijah Hubbard, Robert Patterson, Rev. Kyev Tatum, Vince Sims, Bill Eaton, Dr. Flowers, Truman Thomas, Mr. Roland Parrish, Rodney Baker, Michael “Coop” Cooper, Craig Kirby, Sam Puryer, Rufus Lewis, Kenny Sims, Dedric Holmes, Dr. Tony Evans, Mark Lowry, John Simpson, Malachi Knowles, John “Rock” Robinson, J.C. Calloway, John Lewis, Quincy Leonard, Jim Beatty, Jeff Dunavant, Louis Stanfield, Tom Sweeney, Jerry Woodard, Maurice Jackson, Rodney Suttles, Steve Edwards, Larry Jackson, Gary McMillan, Juan Patlan, State Representatives Mark Veasey and Ramon Romero, Henry Cacigal, Darryl Blair—and many more brothers who have supported but are not named.
Thanks to all my I.M. Terrell High School Alumni!
So proud to be a blessing to everyone! Remember—it takes a lot of nerve to continue to hold on until a change comes!
Meanwhile, be thankful, be grateful.
With love and gratitude,
Happy Veterans Day!
Coach Gladys Lee, LPGA
