Amanda M. Usher | The Valdosta Daily TimesCasey Langdale, 2018 Woman of the Year, introduces the 2019 winner Saturday during a brunch hosted by the Valdosta Junior Woman's Club at the Valdosta Country Club. 

VALDOSTA — Molly Roan Ferrier stood on the stage, emotional and teary-eyed, as the 2019 Woman of the Year. 

She received the award Saturday morning at the Valdosta Country Club during the 62nd Annual Woman of the Year brunch hosted by the Valdosta Junior Woman’s Club.

The Valdosta Junior Service League nominated her.

“I am just shocked and so thankful,” Ferrier said.

Ferrier, executive director of the Valdosta-Lowndes Habitat for Humanity, spoke about her mom who taught her to help other people.

“She continued to live a life of service and taught me how to live a life of service,” she said during a brief speech.

Ferrier reflected on how she and her mom would participate in community-service events during her childhood such as feeding children at Ora Lee West for Thanksgiving.

Along with her work with Habitat, she has assisted with the restoration of the Converse Dalton Ferrell House, cleaned trash out of neighborhoods and rivers and is an active member of both the Rotary Club and the Valdosta Civic Roundtable.

“It’s just really important to be able to help other people,” she said.

Ferrier said she will continue to grow Habitat and build stable, affordable homes for families.

Sandi Parrish, past president of the junior woman’s club, said the Woman of the Year possesses qualities that go beyond their normal responsibilities.

This accolade assists the junior woman’s club with knowing demands of the community, she said.

“The best thing is it tells us what the needs are in the community,” Parrish said. “It’s watching them with the leadership, what they actually accomplish, how many lives (they’re) making a difference (in).”

During a speech, Parrish said the event wasn’t about winning but was rather about “celebrating women of excellence.”

Ferrier was presented the award by the 2018 Woman of the Year, Casey Langdale.

“It was a huge honor. … To hear what everyone has done and what their organization is doing for our community, it’s just amazing to be a part of that group,” she said.

LeAnne McCall, principal of Lowndes High School, was the guest speaker.

Other past recipients of the Woman of the Year award include Jennifer Steedley, Jeannette Coody, Laura Love and Dr. Beverley Richardson-Blake and Sementha Mathews. 

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1255.