Dr. Celeste Ashe Johnson

Dr. Celeste Ashe Johnson served with distinction as the sixth president of IAMWMW from 1994 to 2022. Renowned for her foresight, wisdom, and quiet strength, she established the “Six Standards of Excellence,” a foundational framework that guided the organization into the twenty-first century under the theme “Charting the Course to Excellence.”

 

Among her impactful initiatives was the launch of the “True Love Waits” program for Preachers’ Kids (PKs), promoting chastity and abstinence among youth. She introduced “Project ’96” to restore the International Headquarters following significant losses from a break-in. Dr. Johnson also commissioned and implemented the ceremonial mace for the Education Department, symbolizing academic authority, and designed the IAMWMW Sash, now a cherished emblem of unity and service.

 

Understanding the importance of holistic support, she introduced the Saturday Evening Husbands’ Service, providing a dedicated space for clergy husbands to engage and connect. Her leadership extended beyond the organization; she was honored by the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Foundation for exceptional service and played a pivotal role in supporting legislation by the 104th Congress to mint 500,000 commemorative coins honoring African American patriots, featuring Crispus Attucks, the first person killed during the American Revolution.

 

Dr. Johnson spearheaded several new millennium projects, including the publication of The Minister’s Wife Devotional Bible, offering spiritual guidance tailored to women in ministry. Through the C.A. Johnson/Wheeler Scholarship, $52,000 was awarded to support a student through four years of college. Her global vision was evident as she led the first IAMWMW Ministers’ Wives and Widows Conference on the African continent, held in Cape Town, South Africa.

 

Dr. Johnson’s enduring legacy continues to inspire, reflecting her unwavering commitment to excellence, service, and spiritual growth.