Uncrowned Community Builders

Mary Alice Newkirk is a native of Deland, Florida. As a youth, she grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She attended Cheyenne High School with music being her first love. She played in the band until her senior year was completed.

After high school, she attended Paul Quinn College, Waco Texas and graduated in 1954 for nursing. She received her license in the state of Texas. Later she became licensed in the states of New York and Florida. She worked for Duval Medical Center and was the Charge Nurse at Weeks Nursing home in Jacksonville, FL, for four years. She moved to Buffalo NY in 1960 and worked at Sisters Hospital, Buffalo General Hospital, and also private duty for many years.

In 1991, she became the spokesperson for a newly formed interdenominational church, United Church of Faith, inc. As one of the original founders and by her love, foresight, and determination she was able to secure a $4.5 million building and property within a year's time. She became the treasurer of the church and maintained a position on the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. During her tenure as treasurer she also was instrumental in the $225,000 church restoration project in 1999 and upon her retirement assisted the Fellowship Christian Center in negotiations to continue Christian ministry in the facility.

Alice is also an entrepreneur. She owned and operated several businesses in the Metropolitan Buffalo area. She established an African American owned and operated music recording studio on Grand Island, New York. Newkirk Productions operated successfully for 12 years and the business was sold to Young Entertainment Systems in 1998.

Alice became a member of the National Female Executive Club, where she enjoyed traveling to New York City for "networking." She is presently a member of the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club and served as Correspondence Secretary. Alice is the Current Membership Chairperson for the Empire State Federation of women's Clubs, Inc. (10 years) and also the Regional Board Chairperson which she has served for two years to present. She has served as Regional President - Buffalo/Rochester areas for four years, Northeastern Regional Organizer for five years, National Association of Colored Women's Club Budget Committee for eights years, Corporate Liaison Committee for Scholarships for three years, and served with Buffalo/Rochester 500 club to recruit members for two years.

Mary Alice Newkirk is heralded by many of her colleagues within the organization (ESFWC) as an "unsung hero" because of her benevolence towards others and her willingness to work.