Showtime! A Senior Queen’s Showcase

A GLT Fundraising Event | Directed by Betty Aden

Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 pm

Davis Auditorium, 400 Cotton St. Greenwood, Mississippi

Greenwood Little Theatre presents a special one-hour performance featuring Senior Queens from Alabama, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Join us for an afternoon of entertainment filled with singing, dancing, and comedy that will leave you inspired and uplifted. Selections include a "Phantom of the Opera" medley, "Puttin’ on the Ritz," "All Shook Up," "God Bless America" and many more!

Tickets cost $10 each and will be available at the door.


Sponsorships

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please consider making a donation or placing an advertisement in our playbill. We will accept submissions until Wednesday, February 7.


Meet the Queens

Saturday, February 17 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

The Alluvian Hotel Lobby, 318 Howard St, Greenwood, Mississippi

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet and greet some of the most distinguished Senior Pageantry Queens from across the Southeast and Midwest! This intimate gathering provides a unique chance to interact with these accomplished individuals who have graced the pageantry stage. Discover the stories behind the crowns and share in the camaraderie that unites these queens.


Betty Aden - Ms. Super Senior Universe 2018 (Mississippi)

Betty Aden - Ms. Super Senior Universe 2018 (Mississippi)

Betty Aden, 82, emerged as the winner of Ms. Super Senior Universe 2018 in Las Vegas. Her pageant journey began at the age of 73 when she clinched the title of Ms. Senior Mississippi America. Over the past 5 years, Betty has played a crucial role on the staff of the Ms. Senior World Pageants as the National Choreographer. Notably, she was honored with the Best Production Award at the Global Beauty Awards in 2022 in Seattle, Washington, equivalent to the Emmy Awards but for Pageantry Organizations.

Betty's passion lies in dancing, and she celebrates forty-one years of "Betty Aden Dance Camp" held annually in June. As a choreographer, she has contributed to various musicals with the Greenwood Little Theater.

Living in Greenwood, Betty wears many hats, serving as the President of the Senior Adults at North Greenwood Baptist Church, a member of H.I.S (women’s ministry), President of the Greenwood Dance Club, member of Town & Country Garden Club, Greenwood Chamber Ambassador, member of NOW (widows group), and a water and fitness aerobics instructor. A 27-year breast cancer survivor, Betty has three children and four grandchildren.

 

Aileen Brady - Ms. Classic Nationwide 2023 (Texas)

Aileen Brady - Ms. Classic Nationwide 2023 (Texas)

Aileen Brady, aged 70, hails from Frisco, Texas, and holds the title of Ms. Classic Nationwide 2023. She stands out as the first winner of the Ms. Classic Nationwide title in the pageant's new Senior and Classic divisions introduced the previous year. Aileen has participated in various pageants, including Ms Senior America, Ms. Senior USA, Ms. Senior World, and Ms. Senior Earth Global.

Beyond her pageant accomplishments, Aileen is a Personal Trainer dedicated to helping seniors stay active. Married to John Brady, their family includes three cats and two turtles. Aileen actively volunteers in her community, being a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and The Women's Vintage Society of Dallas.

 

Sara Jo Burks - Ms. Senior USA 2018 (Alabama)

Sara Jo Burks - Ms. Senior USA 2018 (Alabama)

Sara Jo Burks, crowned Ms. Senior Alabama 2017 and Ms. Senior USA 2018, has been a prominent figure in the pageant scene for over 40 years. She holds an MBA with postgraduate work in Management from Troy University and served as an adjunct instructor and Assistant Director for Housing & Residence Life until her retirement in 2019.

Awards and recognition include "Best in Education" at the Global Beauty Awards in 2021 and the "Legacy" award in 2023. Sara Jo is an active member of various organizations, including the Miss Alabama Volunteer Pageant Board and the Executive Director for the Ms. Senior World Pageant. Passionate about helping others fulfill their pageant dreams, she believes that age is never a barrier.

 

Belinda Duke - Ms. Ohio Sr America 2023 (Tennesse)

Belinda Duke - Ms. Ohio Sr America 2023 (Tennesse)

Belinda K. Duke, Ms Ohio Senior America 2023 and Ms Senior Cumberland County 2021, divides her time between a farm in Tennessee and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. At 68 years young, Belinda's passion extends to working with Veterans and providing education and career programs in Aviation and Aerospace, alongside her husband, Dr. James (Marty) Duke, an Aerospace Scientist.

Belinda has a masters from Middle TN State University with multiple degrees and is currently working on her Ph.D. Honored with the "Golden Hammer Award" from Vice President Gore for contributions during her time at John C. Stennis Space Center - NASA, working as an Environmental Scientist, speaking throughout the U.S. And the Caribbean. Married for 40 years, she enjoys extensive travel in their RV with their 10 grandchildren.

 

Kellie Gragg - Ms. Senior Nationwide 2023 (Alabama)

Kellie Gragg - Ms. Senior Nationwide 2023 (Alabama)

Kellie Gragg, a multifaceted individual based in Birmingham, AL, has a rich background in real estate, entrepreneurship, and military service. She is a Real Estate Broker with a successful business for over 20 years, and a veteran who served 12 years in the United States Coast Guard, showcasing her dedication to serving the country. Kellie is grounded in God's Word and is the founder of A W.I.S.E. Woman Ministry where she helps women through discipleship and biblical counseling. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Kellie is a certified Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer affiliated with the prestigious John Maxwell Group, and holds the current title of MS Senior Nationwide 2023. Her commitment to personal development and empowerment is evident in her mentorship roles as evident by being nominated in three categories at the upcoming Global Beauty Awards. Kellie's journey is a tapestry of professionalism, service, mentorship, and faith-based ministry.

 

Dr. Barbara Mauldin - Ms. Senior America 2015 (Mississippi)

Dr. Barbara Mauldin - Ms. Senior America 2015 (Mississippi)

Dr. Barbara Mauldin, a full-time practicing general dentist of 40 years, has made significant contributions to both the dental profession and humanitarian efforts. Serving as the Speaker of the House for the Mississippi Dental Association and president of the Mississippi Dental Association in 2019-2020, Barbara has been recognized as Alumna of the Year by her dental school.

Engaging in annual mission trips before Covid, Barbara offered dental care in Nicaragua, Honduras, Peru, and Nepal. Actively involved in Rotary, she received the Citation for Meritorious Service for her post-Hurricane Katrina efforts. A national titleholder in ballroom and country dancing, Barbara won the MS Mississippi Senior America 2015 pageant and ultimately became MS Senior America 2015.

 

Kathy Paiml - Ms. Senior Alabama 2023-24 (Alabama)

Kathy Paiml - Ms. Senior Alabama 2023-24 (Alabama)

Kathy Paiml, 66, resides in Helena, Alabama, and holds the title of Ms. Senior Alabama 2023-2024. Married for 43 years to Roger with three sons, Kathy is a retired elementary school principal and now a part-time teacher at UnlessU, a school for adults with developmental disabilities. With a heart for the special needs community, she actively serves with the Down Syndrome of Alabama organization and also serves as a volunteer baseball coach with the Over the Mountain Miracle League.

A 17-year breast cancer survivor, Kathy is also on the Board of Directors of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. Her philosophy of life is encapsulated in S.M.I.L.E - See Miracles in Life Everyday.

 

Dreisa Sherill - Ms. Senior World 60’s 2021 (South Carolina)

Dreisa Sherill - Ms. Senior World 60’s 2021 (South Carolina)

Dreisa Jordan Sherrill, drawing on over 40 years of expertise in the pageant industry, is a well-known figure. She recently launched Queen D Consulting LLC, offering services in pageantry, fashion, and home décor. With a background as a pageant consultant, wardrobe stylist, and educational administrator, Dreisa has made significant contributions to various areas.

Ms. Sherrill, a titleholder in several pageants, including Ms. Senior World 60s 2021 and Ms. South Carolina Senior America 2022, has received numerous accolades, including the Global Beauty Awards' Best Rookie Contestant 2022. Recognized by the Governor of South Carolina, she has traveled extensively to promote senior women and support veteran causes.

 

Sherry Strother - Ms. Senior Universe 2019 (Mississippi)

Sherry Strother - Ms. Senior Universe 2019 (Mississippi)

Sherry Strother boasts a four-decade-long career in the beauty, fashion, and pageant industry. As the founder of the "Senior World National/International Pageant" system, Sherry has created a premier beauty event for women ages 50-79. Serving as a motivational speaker, author, advocate, and daughter of the King, she has received multiple awards, including the Global Beauty Awards for "Rookie Director/Producer of the Year."

Sherry's dedication extends beyond pageantry, as she actively engages in community service and youth advocacy. With a supportive husband and a family deeply involved in pageantry, Sherry's life revolves around service and uplifting others.

 

Barbara Travis - Ms. Mississippi Senior America 2009 (Mississippi)

Barbara Travis - Ms. Mississippi Senior America 2009 (Mississippi)

Barbara Travis, an economic and community developer, has held multiple local and state positions, including Executive Director of the Mississippi World Trade Center. As a teacher at two Mississippi universities, her work gained recognition in various publications, and she was featured on NBC's TODAY SHOW for her teaching techniques.

Currently a freelance writer and public speaker, Barbara serves on advisory boards for several organizations and actively participates in senior women's pageants for 15 years. Engaging in hobbies such as reading, writing, home decorating, and dancing, Barbara's diverse interests reflect her commitment to personal and professional development.

 

Sally Beth Vick - Ms. Super Senior Universe 2019 (Alabama)

Sally Beth Vick - Ms. Super Senior Universe 2019 (Alabama)

Sally Beth Vick, aged 81 from Jasper, Alabama, holds the titles of Ms. Super Senior Universe 2019, Ms. Super Senior USA 2018, and Ms. Sr. Alabama  2009 & Top Ten Ms. Sr. America 2009, Ms. Sr. Louisiana/America & Ms. Sr. Louisiana/USA. An Honorary Board Member of Ms. Senior Alabama, Sally Beth is a performer at various events, and supports senior women by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and to showcase their uniqueness.

Graduating cum laude from the University of Alabama at 41, she received the "Pageantry Magazine" Legend Award in 2020 and the Global Beauty "Best Talent Award" in 2022. An Alabama House of Representatives Commendation recipient and in 2015 an Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Award.  Her husband Jimmy has supported her in her journey and has been a helper at all pageants in which she has participated. Sally Beth's journey is marked by achievements and recognition.

 

Betty Wheat - Ms. Mississippi Senior America 2021 (Mississippi)

Betty Wheat - Ms. Mississippi Senior America 2021 (Mississippi)

Betty Wheat, Ms Mississippi Senior America 2021, is a graduate of MUW with a degree in Speech Pathology. A member of the Sassy Steppers, a senior tap group, Betty is actively involved in church activities, Operation Gratitude (honoring the military), and a Caregivers Support Group. She is also an active member of the Professional Women's Association and Welcome Neighbors Club. Betty's engagement in various community and social organizations reflects her commitment to making a positive impact.


We look forward to seeing you on the weekend of February 17 and 18! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.