When Belle Spafford was called as Relief Society president in 1945, the one hundred thousand members were primarily English-speaking. When she was released nearly thirty years and six Prophets later, membership was close to a million, spread throughout sixty-five countries. And to think that she had to be converted to Relief Society! Born October 8, 1895, two months after the death of her father, Marion Isabelle Sims Smith was the youngest of seven children. Thanks to a monthly income received from her husband’s business, Belle’s mother, Hester, was able to stay home, though times were tight. Still, Belle and her … Continue reading →

Born February 7, 1872 in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Amy Brown was the twenty-third of twenty-five children born to her father. Both of Amy’s parents placed a high value on education, a trait that remained with Amy throughout her life. Despite the fact that her mother was partially invalid due to improper care during childbirth, Margaret frequently taught her children that one person filled with initiative can make a difference. For instance, when contagious diseases threatened, Margaret studied a medical book and treated the whole neighborhood. When a midwife innocently transmitted childbed fever that killed six new mothers, including Amy’s half-sister, … Continue reading →

Clarissa Williams, the sixth president of the Relief Society, was a third-generation Latter-day Saint and the first Utahan native to hold the position. Her mother, Susan West, was the seventh wife of George A. Smith, cousin to the Prophet Joseph Smith. She grew up influenced by George’s first wife, Bathsheba W. B. Smith, the fourth Relief Society president, who involved young Clarissa in the women’s organization early. Clarissa attended private school and was hired at the age of fourteen as a pupil teacher. She attended the University of Deseret (now called the University of Utah) and graduated with a teaching … Continue reading →

Although March was the birthday month, these didn’t get posted. Since I know you are just aching to read all about these remarkable women, I decided to go ahead and share them in April! I hope you enjoy! Called to lead the Relief Society during the depression years, Louise Yates Robison did not seem to be the ideal candidate. Shy and self-effacing, it was difficult for her to go into her son’s office building to pick him up from work. Yet, with the Lord’s help, she was able to overcome this fear and lead the Relief Society for eleven years. … Continue reading →