BAY MINETTE, Alabama — The Heritage Junior Women’s Club presented its Justice Lyn Stuart Community Service Award to Lisa Yokley.

The award is named for Alabama Supreme Court Justice Lyn Stuart, a Bay Minette resident and former president of the Heritage Junior Women’s Club. 

Yokley, a former member of HJWC, was recognized for her “passion for her community” and for her commitment to working for the betterment of others. She said she was “surprised and honored” to receive the award.

“Living and working in Bay Minette, I feel a responsibility to give back to the community I proudly chose to call home,” Yokley said. “This responsibility is not an obligation though. Through the events and organizations I have been a part of, I have made some of the best relationships and had some of the greatest experiences.”

Yokley came to North Baldwin in 1999 as a student at Faulkner State Community College and returned after completing her studies at Troy University. At FSCC she was a member of the Pow Wow Leadership Society, Phi Theta Kappa, Baptist Campus Ministries and Student Government Association.

That heart for service continued as she began her career in graphic design. Now employed with North Baldwin Utilities, Yokley uses her talent to design logos for several local programs and community groups. Samples of her work can be seen at various locations including the Bay Minette Public Library where she created a new logo for library signage.

Her volunteer work has also been included on numerous brochures, forms, T-shirts and postcards to promote everything from Christmas Fest to Delta Dash.

“She has an innate ability to turn a vision into a masterpiece of artwork,” said Kimberly Cain, who presented the award. “Her genuine love for life and passion for her community is infectious and contagious to those she meets.”

In addition to her talent, Yokley also devotes her time to other community service projects. She is a volunteer at Christmas Fest, Delta Dash and other chamber events as well as the North Baldwin Infirmary Foundation Gala and Bay Minette Elementary PTO.

She has served as president of HJWC and set up the club’s scholarship criteria and redesigned the club logo. She also volunteers with her home church City Hope and hosts weekly Fusion group meetings in her home.

Yokley has been active with The Young Professionals of the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and led the charge to bring back the Junior Ambassador program which involves youth from Baldwin County High School.

“Lisa is a leader and does most of her work anonymously,” Cain said. “(She) is a true believer in the North Baldwin community with a sincere passion to serve her community.”

Married to Chris Yokley, the couple has two sons: Noah and Isaac. She credits her spouse and her employer with encouraging her to become and stay active in the community.

“They never once question why it is important to me because it is also important to them,” she said.

As a former president of the organization, Yokley knows first-hand how much HJWC values community service. She said that makes the recognition even more special.

“The Heritage Junior Women’s Club is an outstanding organization that gives so much to our area,” Yokley said. “Knowing these ladies chose me for this award encourages me to do the best I can to honor them. Receiving the Lyn Stuart Community Service Award was and will continue to be one of the most memorable honors I have ever received.”