In 1977 the beloved Mother of the late Deacon Willie Hyman, Alice Hyman Birch, died at the age of 78. In lieu of flowers, Deacon Hyman requested that donations be made to United Missionary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund that he started in his Mother’s name. At the age of 78 his Mother was continuing her education. When she was a child, children had to work in the fields and did not have the opportunity of receiving an education. Working was a priority not school.
The first scholarship payout was in 1978 with $100 payable to 2 college students, $50 each. Deacon Hyman felt that if the church could pay for one book, it would be a help. He would say this every time he made an appeal for donations to the Scholarship Fund. He often spoke about the cost of books for his four daughters when they were in college.
Over the years, the money in the Scholarship Fund has increased and we have been able to help numerous students. Deacon Hyman only had a third-grade education because he also had to work in the tobacco and cotton fields, which is why he was so passionate about our Black children receiving an education. He taught himself to read everyday words and was constantly trying to read his Bible. He was able to memorize his favorite Bible passages.
In 2005 we lost our beloved Deacon Hyman and the family again requested donations to the Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers since this was so important to him. After his death the scholarship fund was renamed the Deacon Willie Hyman Scholarship Fund and had continued to grow. On the first Sunday in each month United takes up a special offering for the Scholarship Fund.
On November 9, 2025, following the passing of our beloved First Lady Nadine Abram, the Deacon Willie Hyman Scholarship Fund was renamed the Nadine Abram Scholarship Fund in her honor. This meaningful tribute ensures that her legacy of faith, service, and unwavering belief in the power of education will continue to inspire future generations. Through this scholarship, her commitment to helping young people pursue higher learning and achieve their dreams will live on for years to come.
In the more than 40 years since the Scholarship Funds inception we have provided aid to over 60 college students. The scholarship payout has grown considerably from that first $100.
