WS Chronicle

On Saturday, Aug, 3, the Ms. Senior Forsyth County Pageant held its inaugural event at Mount Carmel Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, in Winston-Salem. Vying for the crown were Ronee Walker, Ruby Cain, JoAnne Goetz, Barbara Geer, Karen Patterson and Sandy Smothers. The pageant began with a warm welcome by Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines, followed by comments from Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, Jr.

Each contestant had a five-minute interview with the judges prior to the contest to learn more about them personally. During the pageant, the contestants were judged on their poise and grace as they modeled a floor length gown of the candidate’s choice; learned what the candidate stands for through their “I believe” statement; and critiqued their individual talent as they entertained the audience.

The distinguished judges were Brooke Adams, special events coordinator with Davidson County Senior Services, Alexander Richardson, retired from WS/FC Schools, and Elise Eifert Freeman, associate professor of gerontology at UNC-G.

After much anticipation, Sandra Smothers from Kernersville was honored with the title and crown of Ms. Senior Forsyth County 2024. Karen Patterson of Winston Salem was chosen as 1st runner up. Sarah Brooks, our “90-ish”year old Ms. Senior North Carolina 1998 from Winston-Salem, crowned the first Ms. Senior Forsyth County 2024.

If she chooses, Sandra can compete in the May 2025 North Carolina State Pageant in Southern Pines.

Hostess and sponsor for this event was Mount Carmel Methodist Church. Other sponsors were HealthTeam Advantage, Mae Timmons Moore Family, The Morgan Agency, Minuteman Press, Longhorn Steakhouse, Harris Teeter, Blossom & Bloom Floristry, Miles Sherrill Photography, Farm Bureau Insurance and the Davidson County Queens. Mistress of Ceremonies was Naila Lyles-Elcock, senior recreation leader with the City of Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks. Music and entertainment was provided by The Jazzy Ladies dance team from the Rupert Bell Neighborhood Center.

Over 100 people attended the inaugural event. The goal of the Senior Forsyth County Pageant is to enhance the image of women who have reached the “age of elegance” of 60 years or better and who seek to honor women who display dignity, maturity, and inner beauty.

For further information on becoming a candidate or co-sponsor for the 2025 Senior Forsyth County Pageant, please contact Linda Anthony at LDA@triad.rr.com, Jennifer Gentle at jennilynne143@msn.com, or Sarah Daffron at sdaffron@triad.rr.com, pageant co-directors.