Mother of Dr. Melody Humphries-Goodwin, the founder of Legacy of Love, Hope and Grace non-profit. Rev. Dorothy was a phenomenal woman. She passed away in 2012. To honor her life and ministry this organization was set up to continue her ministry to single parents with children who are experiencing homelessness. Rev. Dorothy’s husband, Rev. Robert Humphries passed away in 1993. Together they raised six of their children and assisted in raising many other children in their church and community. After the death of her husband, now a single mother, she continued to raise and support her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

To advance the support for her community, Rev. Dorothy started the “Deborah House.” The Deborah House was a non-profit organization that provided assistance to single parents. She collected donated home furnishings and provided them to single mothers with children. She also partnered with educational services that assisted mothers in getting prepared for General Educational Development (GED). A GED is a high school equivalency test designed for individuals who have not completed high school and want to earn a credential equivalent to a traditional high school diploma. With her mentorship all the mothers successfully completed all the requirements to attain their GED.

Rev. Dorothy was committed to assisting single mothers and their extended families so that their children and grandchildren would have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and healthy family environment. Many of these mothers’ children have grown up to be successful medical doctors, nurses, leaders in the military, educational professionals and leaders in various fields of government. Rev. Dorothy Humphries was our mother; her life’s work is our legacy.

Miriam Ward Culver, born July 22, 1944, exemplified the true meaning of leadership through service. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, as one of fourteen children to Samuel Lewis Ward and Thelma Syphers Ward, Miriam embraced the values of hard work, entrepreneurship, education, and faith—principles that became the foundation of her life’s work.

She graduated in the top 10% of her graduating class at Samuel Howard Archer High School. She earned distinction in phlebotomy and patient care across Metro Atlanta hospitals, the Red Cross, and various medical agencies. Miriam was also a dynamic leader in her church and community. She was a Licensed Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ, International and traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally. Her palpable assistance, support, committing to healing, and empowerment positively impacted the lives of people societies and institutions have marginalized. She was gifted in coordinating major community events, including Women’s Day celebrations, Annual Prayer Breakfasts, and Pastoral Support Programs.

Through her efforts, she fostered a thriving culture of mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement.

In 2020 Miriam Ward-Culver transitioned to her heavenly home. Her extensive contributions to the world are carried on by her family. This includes her husband, Willie Hubert Culver, her children—Sheila, Crista, and Stephen, grandchildren, and the many others she and her husband fostered. Many have followed her esteemed example and have become community service leaders and humanitarians.

Through her enduring work ethic, her heart for mentorship, and her unwavering devotion to both family and community, Miriam Ward Culver leaves a legacy that will impact generations to come. “True success measured not by what you gain, but by the lives you touch.” – Inspired by the life of Miriam Ward Culver.