14-05-2025
Woman recognized in Winston-Salem for decades of service
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — There's a lot to be said about a volunteer you can count on.
Quilla Smith has served at Samaritan Ministries long enough to be a familiar face among many of the guests.
'I'll see them out in the community … 'Hey, Ms. Soup Kitchen,'' Smith recalled with a laugh.
Smith has been serving guests in Samaritan's soup kitchen since the early 1980s.
'I found Samaritan during a time that was not very good. I call it the dark part of my life. Unfortunately, a marriage had failed, and I returned to Winston with two children,' she said.
'I found Samaritan as my refuge and serving was my therapy.'
In 1986, The Christian ministry had her listed as a founding board member on its Articles of Incorporation.
'Just being on the board was really an awesome experience… just to watch a vision become a reality was just really special,' Smith said.
Smith still enjoys connecting with guests.
'I could relate to a certain degree because we all have crisis in our lives, and we're just blessed that we're able to overcome.'
The warmth she adds to the team is why she's been named the winner of the 2025 Myrtie Davis Lifetime Volunteer Servant Leadership Award.
'It's truly an honor to be recognized, but we have to give God all the glory because without Him, I wouldn't be here or wouldn't have even the desire to give,' she said. 'Even when you're going through, you can lose yourself and forget about your troubles and try to make a difference in others' lives, and it's just been a blessing.'
According to Samaritan Ministries, Smith has served as a core volunteer, board member, Soup Kitchen volunteer and a team lead from Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.
She was known as a core volunteer for an estimated 31 years (1981 through 2012)
She currently serves at Samaritan on the third Monday with her church Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.
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