Photo: Left to Right: Queens: Sudan Eubanks (18, Miramar); Lynne Warrick (102, Pompano Beach); Joanie Helgesen (85, Delray); Diane Moore-Eubanks (62, Miramar)
Photography credit: Dakar’s Marketing Toolz
Dr. Willis Eubanks, Vice Chancellor, www.GODSU.org
What unites four extraordinary women—spanning ages 17 to 101—beyond their beauty, intelligence, and achievements in pageantry? It is their unwavering commitment to servant leadership, both locally and globally. Meet these remarkable queens: Sudan Eubanks (17), Rev. Dr. Diane Moore-Eubanks, Joanie Helesen (84), and Lynne Warrick (101). As the United States celebrated its 246th anniversary on July 4, 2024, these women collectively embodied over 263 years of wisdom, service, and dedication to uplifting others.
Queen Lynne Warrick (101): A Trailblazer in Service and Leadership
Born on April 24, 1923, in Newark, New Jersey, Lynne Warrick was profoundly influenced by her mother, Ethel Duchemin, who instilled in her the belief that “Love never fails.” This guiding principle shaped her lifelong dedication to volunteerism and supporting scholarships for young students.
Affectionately known as “Ma Lynne,” she began her career as a secretary for the U.S. government, where her remarkable speed and accuracy in typing earned her a distinguished role as a top-secret analyst under Rear Admiral Bruce Keener III, a 1947 U.S. Naval Academy graduate. She also made history as the first woman to pass the rigorous “Management by Objective” course. Even in retirement, Ma Lynne continues to inspire future generations through her philanthropic work.
Queen Joanie Helesen (84): The Harp Lady’s Melody of Success
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Joanie Helesen discovered her love for music early, beginning piano lessons at the age of eight. At just 10 years old, she was awarded a high merit music achievement honor by The National Federation of Music Clubs. She later earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, where she pursued her passion for music.
Joanie’s journey into pageantry began on a friend’s encouragement, leading her to embrace the motto: “If we don’t try, we don’t know if we can do it.” Her courage propelled her to win nine world titles. Today, she channels her passion for music into a new venture—establishing a Music Club in her condo community, where both young and mature musicians can learn, share, and grow.
Rev. Dr. Diane Moore-Eubanks: Empowering a Global Community
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Queen Diane is the Chancellor of Global Oved Dei Seminary & University (GODSU), an international educational platform committed to cultivating servant leaders. Through her work in pageantry, she empowers mature women to break barriers related to race, nationality, and religion.
One of her most impactful initiatives was helping over 11,000 women in Nigeria and Ghana start small businesses, enabling them to achieve financial independence. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire a new generation of women to rise beyond societal limitations and embrace their full potential.
Sudan Eubanks (17): A Young Leader with a Global Impact
A senior at a Miami high school and a Silver Knight Finalist, Sudan Eubanks began her journey of service in third grade through the Peer Pal program, assisting students with physical and mental disabilities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded Reading With Royalty™, a nonprofit that provides reading videos for hospitalized children. Since 2020, Sudan has mobilized over 500 volunteers across seven countries—Canada, Australia, Greece, England, the Netherlands, Jamaica, and all 50 U.S. states—ensuring that children worldwide have access to the joy of storytelling.
A Bright Future Led by Servant Hearts
Despite their differences in age and backgrounds, these four queens share a singular purpose—lifting others through service, leadership, and love. As they continue to break barriers and inspire change, one thing is certain: the future shines brighter because of their dedication.