I wanted to dedicate a part of my website to a group that is very near and dear to my heart, my book club, the Circle of Friends Chapter 5. We are a part of a national network of sisters coming together for the purpose of sharing literary works which in turn leads to sharing our lives, hopes and dreams. As a fairly new chapter, we are proud to be a part of the national organization started so many years ago by Jennifer Copeland. We have a diverse group of strong black women from all walks of life who have learned to laugh, learn and yes even sometimes cry…in the company of our Sisters.

Pictured Left to Right: Marqueta Smith-Henderson, Nazy Liz McClellan, Darcel Cole, Marcy Bledsoe-Hicks, Julia Elaine Bledsoe, Tanya Ball, not pictured Dorothy Cade, Shreada Thompson-Simmons, Lisa A. Sanders and Sophie B, author of My Husbands Mother.

Tanya Pincheon Ball, President
Tanya Pincheon Ball is an aspiring artist who in her quiet moments loves to sketch, paint and write children's stories. She earns her living as a claims specialist, in addition to being a caterer featuring Wittl' Pies delicacies. She is the devoted mother of a beautiful daughter named Lauren. She shares her life with her husband Eric of 16 years. Her involvement in the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary brought her into a cherished friendship with Julia Elaine Bledsoe. During a very difficult time with family illness, Julia invited her into the group. At a time when it was almost impossible to smile, Tanya found laughter and a newfound insanity within the Circle of Friends 5.  "Sometimes letting it all go and being a bit insane is good for the soul. A monthly dose of this group is something my soul looks forward to."

Julia Elaine Bledsoe, Vice President
See “About Julia” click here

Marcy Bledsoe Hicks, Treasurer
Marcy Bledsoe Hicks, one of the founding members of the Circle of Friends Chapter 5, brings her love of life and laughter to the group every month. Years ago Marcy took this passion for comedy and started Look Who's Lafin, a comedy promotion company. This kept her busy along with her 20 year career as a Traffic Coordinator. When she's not wearing one of those hats, she spends time as a active member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary. When she finally gets a chance to rest, she does so with her loving husband Eddie Hicks, Jr. and daughter Mariah.

Dorothy Cade
Dorothy Cade was dubbed Royalty by her sister-friend Marcy Bledsoe-Hicks when invited into the Circle of Friends 5. It took Marcy half a second to come up with the name for this young woman. She truly is the epitome of what it means to succeed against all odds. A devoted single mother to her beloved daughter Dymond. When not surmounting the rigors of her busy schedule, Dorothy is active in church. In addition, she is Associate Matron of Debroah Chapter 2 with in the Order of the Eastern Star.

Darcel Cole
Darcel is the eldest girl of eleven children.  It was only natural for her to become a teacher since she has been facilitating children most of her life. She has been married for 25 yrs to Mac, her childhood sweetheart. Darcel has two children. Dominque is a freshman attending Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville Illinois. James is a freshman at Oak Park River Forest High School. Darcel enjoys reading, decorating, shopping, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She was ordered by her best-est friend to join Circle of Friends.  An order she could not refuse.

Nazy Liz McClellan
Nazy Liz McClellan was asked, well actually ordered, to join the Circle of Friends Chapter 5 by close friend, Julia Elaine Bledsoe. Liz, Fly Diva that she is, has a career in law enforcement as a supervisor with the Cook County Adult Probation Dept. She has a wonderful teenage daughter, Maryah, and the two of them have been married to a wonderful man for the past 13yrs, Sean McClellan. “Momma” to many, Liz is actively involved as a armour bearer/nurse for the pastor at her church. Her “divaness” comes from two mentors – her aunt and Julia; both are truly women she looks up to. She is so very grateful that she was asked to join COF5. In her words, “I enjoy my new friends/family a great deal.”

Marqueta Smith-Henderson, Secretary
Marqueta Smith-Henderson is my name,
I'm new to the group,
And oh how my life has changed.

I'm 35 with a wonderful husband named Kenny,
He loves me more than I’ll ever know.
And I have a 19 yrd old son Quincy,
who sole purpose is to drive me crazy,
With his, 'Come on Mom let's go to the show'.

I’ve never had a real sister to sit around and chit-chat with,
But now God has graced me with Grand Grand, Baby Grand,
Superior, Supreme, Fly Diva, Royalty,
And even an OPBMW, so now lonliness is a myth.

I am truly a believer that God brings people into your life for a reason,
To my big Sister Grand, you mean more to me
than just the simple 4 seasons.
Through the winter, spring, summer and fall,
You've given me more than a true sister love, who has it all.

God has created me into a strong, loving and caring woman.
I bring to the group my love, my strength, my honesty, and my commitment to
Be
The best Supa Star Sista that I know I can be.