The students and faculty of Judson College in Marion stared with a measure of curiosity as the white and gold-clad “B-Team Angels” strode down the aisle of Alumnae Auditorium singing “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
These senior adults with their heartfelt songs, crazy dances and inspirational testimonies were quite a change from the usually quiet and contemplative chapel sessions at Judson.
The Angels are an interdenominational group from Cherokee County who enjoy singing, sharing and encouraging all who will listen.
Kay Pearson, 67, is founder of the Cherokee Angels. She makes her home in Centre and attends First Baptist Church, Centre.
“We’re called the B-Team Angels because the A-Team is already in heaven and we’re still struggling,” Pearson said.
Paula Joslin and Kay Jennings of Arab started the original group of B-Team Angels in 1994. They dressed as clowns and visited nursing homes and hospitals to cheer up the patients.
Joslin and Jennings decided to recruit other Christian women and expand their ministry.
Now there are four B-Team Angel chapters. The original group in Arab has around 30 members. The Cherokee County and Dothan chapters each have 20 angels and the fourth group in Fayetteville, Tenn., has 15 members.
Dressed in white from head to toe, the Angels commanded the attention of all present with their unique garb. Their bright gold jewelry glittered and some singers strutted around in halos and homemade angel wings.
“Our costumes are very expensive,” Pearson said with a laugh. “We ransack the Salvation Army, Good Will, flea markets and yard sales looking for anything white and gold.”
The Angels also have fun giving each other nicknames. Pearson’s “angel” name is “Kay-briel.” Another member is “Gluella” because she “keeps us all together,” Pearson explained. And there’s a “Gabbyella” who loves to talk.
While at Judson, the Angels sang and did a puppet rap show about the prodigal son. Then they donned rubber pig snouts and sang “You Can’t Sing in a Pig Pen,” written by Angel Kay Jennings. Their concluding songs were in a more serious mode.
The Angels also shared a number of inspirational stories. Eight of the Cherokee Angels are cancer survivors and identify themselves with purple medallions.
“We go wherever we are asked as long as we are allowed to lift up our Lord,” Pearson said. “And there’s never a charge for our ministry. God has met our needs.”
The Angels have a retreat each spring to perform their programs for the other chapters and to share ministry ideas.
“It is a time of prayer, meditation, song, comedy and fellowship,” Pearson said.
“We love what we do,” she continued. “When we see the smiles on the faces of the elderly in nursing homes and know that they have probably haven’t had a hug or kiss in months it’s worth all the time it takes, no matter how tired we may feel.”
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