Welcome to the
Order of the Steel Magnolias
Website
Organization History
Founded: June 28, 2018
In Alabama the Cradle of the Confederacy
Founders
Suzanna Etheridge Rawlins
Leslie Ann Kirk
Leslie Ann Kirk
Co-Founders
Laura D’aun Womack-Rowell
LTC Charles Robert Odom*
Jane Routt Power
Patricia Ellen Gallagher
Carla Whitehurst Odom
Deborah Whitmore Hicks, Esq.
Shelby Dean Ward
Alex Bannerman (Honorary)
LTC Charles Robert Odom*
Jane Routt Power
Patricia Ellen Gallagher
Carla Whitehurst Odom
Deborah Whitmore Hicks, Esq.
Shelby Dean Ward
Alex Bannerman (Honorary)
2018 Founders and Co-Founders
Front (L to R): Leslie Ann Kirk, PG Suzanna Etheridge Rawlins, Patricia Gallagher; Middle Row: Laura Rowell, Carla Whitehurst Odom, Deborah Whitmore Hicks; Top Row: Charles Robert Odom, Shelby Dean Ward (not pictured Jane Routt Power and Alex Bannerman)
Honorary Presidents General
Past Officers 2021-2024
President: Leslie Ann Kirk
Vice President: Patricia Gallagher
Secretary: Sue Hansford Southern
Treasurer: Barb Allison
Historian: Lila Burner Housden
Chaplain: Teresa Roane
Counselor: Deborah Whitmore Hicks, Esq.
Registrar: Robin Redfearn Towns
Parliamentarian: Ora Jane Johnson
Recruiter: Baxter Keith Bedell
Vice President: Patricia Gallagher
Secretary: Sue Hansford Southern
Treasurer: Barb Allison
Historian: Lila Burner Housden
Chaplain: Teresa Roane
Counselor: Deborah Whitmore Hicks, Esq.
Registrar: Robin Redfearn Towns
Parliamentarian: Ora Jane Johnson
Recruiter: Baxter Keith Bedell
Past Committee Chairmen 2021-2024
Newsletter Editor Magnolia Messenger: Jean Schaum Bradley
Contributing Editor Magnolia Messenger: Carla Whitehurst Odom
Finance Review: Lynda Aydelott Moreau
Public Relations: Lila Burner Housden
Ancestor Biography Project Steel Magnolia Stories: Julie Palmer Hesler
Website: Leslie Ann Kirk
Contributing Editor Magnolia Messenger: Carla Whitehurst Odom
Finance Review: Lynda Aydelott Moreau
Public Relations: Lila Burner Housden
Ancestor Biography Project Steel Magnolia Stories: Julie Palmer Hesler
Website: Leslie Ann Kirk
Past Officers 2018-2021
President General: Suzanna Etheridge Rawlins
Vice President General: Leslie Ann Kirk
Secretary General: Julie Palmer Hesler
Treasurer General: LTC Charles Robert Odom*
Registrar General: Jane Routt Power
Chaplain General: Patricia Gallagher
Historian General: Carla Whitehurst Odom
Counselor General: Deborah Whitmore Hicks, Esq.
Parliamentarian General: Shelby Dean Ward
Advisor General: Alex Bannerman (Honorary)
Vice President General: Leslie Ann Kirk
Secretary General: Julie Palmer Hesler
Treasurer General: LTC Charles Robert Odom*
Registrar General: Jane Routt Power
Chaplain General: Patricia Gallagher
Historian General: Carla Whitehurst Odom
Counselor General: Deborah Whitmore Hicks, Esq.
Parliamentarian General: Shelby Dean Ward
Advisor General: Alex Bannerman (Honorary)
Past Committee Chairmen 2018-2021
Historical Preservation: Diane Dyess
Finance: Julie Palmer Hesler
Inaugural Tea: Leslie Ann Kirk
Webmistress: Leslie Ann Kirk
Finance: Julie Palmer Hesler
Inaugural Tea: Leslie Ann Kirk
Webmistress: Leslie Ann Kirk
Past Meetings
November 18, 2018 ~ Inaugural Membership Tea & Social ~ Montgomery Country Club, Montgomery, AL
Attendees: Lori Adams, Judy Dunaway Blackwell, Dinah Blankenship, Jean Bradley, Ann Cheney, Ann Ware Coupland, Llene Cox, Helen Crowe, Wanda deButts, Denise Kirk Dennis, Pat Gallagher, Rosemary Gilliland, Linda Graham, Brenda Fleenor Haynie, Dresden Green Henderson, Brandi Elizabeth Henderson, Julia Hesler, Deborah Hicks, Cyndi Himes, Kimberly Martin Johnson, Audrey Armstrong Johnson, Nancy Karrick, Brittney Kean, Anne Kilgrow, Leslie Kirk, Martha Knott, Fred Marshall, Loretta Martin, CJ Martin, Lora McDaniel, Carrie McGough, Alicia Moncrief, LTC Charles Robert Odom, Carla Odom, Patsy Parmer, Charles Poland, Sandra Rackard, PG Suzanna Rawlins, Sharon Linthicum Sanders, Susan Schofield, Melissa Scott, Elizabeth Sewell, Bill Sewell, Bonnie Shanks, Tommy Shanks, Lisa Shipman, Mary Jane Tingle, Robin Towns, Marilyn Tucker, Kathryn Tysinger, Carolyn Wallace, Selby Ward, Cindy Waters, Martha Whitt, Robert Wieland, Nancy Williams, Mary Jane Williams, Felicia C. Wilt, Brenda Winter, Laura D'aun Womack-Rowell, Teresa Young.
Inaugural Tea Committee: Leslie Ann Kirk, Patricia Gallagher, Denise Kirk Dennis.
Southern Belle Hostess: Carrie McGough; Photographer: Durward M. Henderson.
Inaugural Tea Committee: Leslie Ann Kirk, Patricia Gallagher, Denise Kirk Dennis.
Southern Belle Hostess: Carrie McGough; Photographer: Durward M. Henderson.
April 8, 2019 ~ Second Annual Assembly Meeting ~ The Army and Navy Club, Washington, D.C.
Attendees: PG Suzanna Rawlins, Leslie Kirk, Deborah Hicks, LTC Charles Robert Odom, Carla Odom, Patricia Gallagher, Jane Power, Shelby Ward, Alex Bannerman, Barbara Allison, Patricia Fullerton, Mary Glenn, Bettie Gustafson, Sue Jaworowski, Ora Jane Johnson, Anne Kilgrow, Barbara Lewis, Albert Mittlemaier, Bonnie Mittlemaier, Lynda Moreau, Chuck Poland, Brenda Reeder, Eric Ridgeway, Jonathan Ridgeway, Brooke Francis Ridgeway, Davine Roberts, Robert Southern, Sandra Staley, Marcia Szedule, Trudy Tanzillo, Diane Tarbox, Lou Toulmin, Robin Towns, Connie Townsend, Paul Walden, Jessieanne Wells, Helene Werner, Ann Wilkerson, Felicia Wilt, Keith Wodarski, John Workman, Teresa Roane, Eric Roane.
April 13, 2020 (Canceled) ~ Third Annual Assembly Luncheon ~ The Army and Navy Club, Washington, D.C.
In cooperation with the Hereditary Society Community recommendation,
the Annual Meeting for The Order of the Steel Magnolias
was canceled due to the global pandemic.
the Annual Meeting for The Order of the Steel Magnolias
was canceled due to the global pandemic.
April 12, 2021 ~ Fourth Annual Assembly Meeting ~ Electronically via Zoom
Attendees: 63 members/officers
July 24, 2022 ~ Fifth Annual Assembly Meeting ~ Electronically via Zoom
50 Attendees: Alicia MonCrief, Ann Cheney, Ann Coupland, Ann Waggaman, Anne Farley, Audrey Armstrong, Bonnie Shanks, Carla Odom, Bob Odom, Cindy Waters, Claire Lorrie White, Deborah W Hicks, Diane Dyess, Doris Bush, Dorothy Thompson, Elizabeth Sewell, Gabrielle Hadyka, Helene Werner, Jean Bradley, Jennifer Rowan, John Lustrea, Judy Malachowski, Kate Sklikas, Laura Allen, Leslie Kirk, Lila Housden, Llene Cox, Mara Wilson, Marie Sanford, Mary Borgeson, Mary Lou Fabian, Melissa Fischer, Myra Hall, Nancy Hoffer, Nancy Thompson, Olivia Chandler, Ora Jane Johnson, Ouida Sue Southern, Pat Gallagher, Renee Hamilton, Sandra Floberg, Selena Levitt, Suzanna Rawlins, Suzanne Anderson, Teresa Roane, Tresa Tatyrek, Trisha Moseley, Vincent Balducci, 12058418714, 19795417964
April 10, 2023 ~ Sixth Annual Assembly Meeting ~ The Army and Navy Club, Washington, D.C.
28 Attendees: PG Leslie Kirk, Anne Farley, Nancy Hoffer, HPG Suzanna Rawlins, Pat Gallagher, Vincent Balducci, Dorothy Thompson, Mary Glenn, Ann S. Williams Garner, Mary Raye Casper, Helene Werner, Paul Walden, Melissa Fischer, Julia Hesler, Deborah Hicks, Linda White, Brenda Dorsett, Lynda Moreau, Robin Towns, Lora McDaniel, Karen McCLendon, Ora Jane Johnson, Teresa Roane, Kevin Carr, John Workman, Trudy Tanzillo, Eric Roane, Speaker: Rev. Thomas A. Costa
April 8, 2024 ~ Seventh Annual Assembly Meeting ~ The Army and Navy Club, Washington, D.C.
Past Social Events
September 29, 2019 ~ Alabama Bicentennial 200 Tea (OSM was founded in Alabama) ~ Anniston, AL
Members in attendance: Ann Ware Coupland, Audrey Armstrong Johnson, Leslie Kirk, Sandra King Gray
April 26, 2021 ~ Memorial Day Ancestor Tribute ~ Oakwood Cemetery, Montgomery, AL
President Leslie Kirk read the names of approximately 300 Steel Magnolia ancestors and a bell was rung as a tribute to these often forgotten ladies during a COVID friendly private service. Oakwood Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in the Cradle of the Confederacy where many Steel Magnolias are buried.
June 24, 2021 ~ Zoom Social For Members & Guests ~ "Memorial Jewelry ~ Jewels of Love and Sorrow"
Speaker: Mrs. Ryan Blocker, Museum Collections Coordinator, Alabama Department of Archives and History
49 Attendees ~ Leslie Kirk, Ryan Blocker, Ann Cheney, Marie Sanford, Alice Holtin, Alicia Moncrief, Ann Waggaman, Anna Hecox, Anne Bush, Audrey Johnson, Ann Coupland, Barb Allison, Bree Berner, Brenda King, Brittney Kean, Celeste Craig, Claudia Pugh, Colleen Petosa, Deborah Hicks, Diane Dyess, Elizabeth Sewell, Felicia Wilt, Gaby Hadyka, Gayle Coan, Jan Bynum, Jean Bradley, Jennifer Rowan, Judy, Julie Hesler, Karen McClendon, Kate Sklikas, Lora McDaniel, Lorrie White, Mary Lou Fabian, Melissa Fischer, Milbrey Bartholow, Nancy Hoffer, Olivia Chandler, Pat Gallagher, Pat Lewis, Sandra, Sarah, Stacy McSwain, Sue Jaworowski-Southern, Susan Davis, Susan Schofield, Sylvia Budd, Tresa Tatyrek, Wilda Tisdale
49 Attendees ~ Leslie Kirk, Ryan Blocker, Ann Cheney, Marie Sanford, Alice Holtin, Alicia Moncrief, Ann Waggaman, Anna Hecox, Anne Bush, Audrey Johnson, Ann Coupland, Barb Allison, Bree Berner, Brenda King, Brittney Kean, Celeste Craig, Claudia Pugh, Colleen Petosa, Deborah Hicks, Diane Dyess, Elizabeth Sewell, Felicia Wilt, Gaby Hadyka, Gayle Coan, Jan Bynum, Jean Bradley, Jennifer Rowan, Judy, Julie Hesler, Karen McClendon, Kate Sklikas, Lora McDaniel, Lorrie White, Mary Lou Fabian, Melissa Fischer, Milbrey Bartholow, Nancy Hoffer, Olivia Chandler, Pat Gallagher, Pat Lewis, Sandra, Sarah, Stacy McSwain, Sue Jaworowski-Southern, Susan Davis, Susan Schofield, Sylvia Budd, Tresa Tatyrek, Wilda Tisdale
February 23, 2022 ~ Zoom Social for Members & Guests ~ "Clothing in the Age of Queen Victoria"
Speaker: Mrs. Ryan Blocker, Museum Collections Coordinator, Alabama Department of Archives and History
47 Attendees ~ 47 Attendees: Ryan Blocker, Leslie Kirk, Sue Southern, Deborah Hicks, Pat Gallagher, Robin Towns, Barb Allison, Suzanna Rawlins, Ann Coupland, Audrey Johnson, Brenda King, Alicia MonCrief, Paulette Lollar, Diane Dyess, Sandra, Terri McCullough, Renee Hamilton, Lynne Tate, Elizabeth, Lori Brown, Nancy Hoffer, Marcia Szedula, Wilda Tisdale, Helene Werner, Lloyce West, Denese, Cindy Waters, Shawn Martin, Vickie Carmichael, Milbrey Bartholow, Judy Blackwell, Faye, Gaby Hadyka, Barbara Collier, Suzanne Anderson, Ginny Carter, O Chandler, Ann Wilkerson, Jan Bynum, Bonnie Hurford, Mary Lou Fabian, Tresa Tatyrek, Melissa Fischer, Lea Martin Songy, Jean, Anna Hecox, Selena.
47 Attendees ~ 47 Attendees: Ryan Blocker, Leslie Kirk, Sue Southern, Deborah Hicks, Pat Gallagher, Robin Towns, Barb Allison, Suzanna Rawlins, Ann Coupland, Audrey Johnson, Brenda King, Alicia MonCrief, Paulette Lollar, Diane Dyess, Sandra, Terri McCullough, Renee Hamilton, Lynne Tate, Elizabeth, Lori Brown, Nancy Hoffer, Marcia Szedula, Wilda Tisdale, Helene Werner, Lloyce West, Denese, Cindy Waters, Shawn Martin, Vickie Carmichael, Milbrey Bartholow, Judy Blackwell, Faye, Gaby Hadyka, Barbara Collier, Suzanne Anderson, Ginny Carter, O Chandler, Ann Wilkerson, Jan Bynum, Bonnie Hurford, Mary Lou Fabian, Tresa Tatyrek, Melissa Fischer, Lea Martin Songy, Jean, Anna Hecox, Selena.