Jesuita Tabor, President
Jesuita’s life journey is indeed remarkable, marked by resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment. Growing up as an only child in a family of educators from Jefferson City, Missouri, she enjoyed 36 years of sight. Her pursuit of higher education led her to earn a Bachelor of Science and Education and a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Lincoln University. She taught 8th grade in Saint Louis Public Schools for a few years before moving to Los Angeles. There, she became a certified Federal Parole Officer in narcotics. Her life changed dramatically when her ex-husband shot her in the face, and she lost her vision. Despite this, she remained resilient. She recovered with her family in Kansas City and then settled in St. Louis to be near her friends and pursue her independence.
Jesuita’s leadership skills shine through her involvement in various roles and organizations. She has served as a board member of the Missouri Council of the Blind and as the president of the Tower Club for the Blind. Currently, she contributes to the boards of the Inner-City Christian Church and College Hill Affordable Housing. Her affiliations include the Coro Foundation, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and the Church of God in Christ. Additionally, she remains connected to her alma mater through the Lincoln University Alumni St. Louis Chapter.
Jesuita has been a faithful member of the Service Club for the Blind for over three decades and plays a vital role in the club’s vision to assist the blind community in St. Louis.
Bettina “Tina” Vinson, 1st Vice President
Tina is considered legally blind or low vision. She contracted the measles virus at the age of 11, resulting in damage to her central vision. This condition is known as macular retinitis, which unfortunately cannot be corrected by lenses or surgery. Due to her visual impairment, Tina faces challenges such as being unable to drive or read small print. She relies on software platforms to navigate the digital world and perform her job effectively.
Tina’s career path reflects her determination. She has held a variety of employment positions including Director of Community Outreach for the Starkloff Disability Institute, SDI, the State of Missouri and currently employed by Schnucks Markets.
Linda Kinkelar, 2nd Vice President
Linda’s connection to the Service Club for the Blind runs deep. Her parents, both blind, instilled in her a sense of purpose and compassion. Despite her own visual challenges since childhood, Linda’s commitment to service remained unwavering. Linda’s path led her to the Missouri School for the Blind, where she received an education from Kindergarten through high school.
Linda is a past president of the Alumni Association of the Missouri School for the Blind. Her dedication extends to board service in various other organizations focused on supporting the blind community.
Kerry Smith, Secretary
Kerry, despite being blind since the age of 15 due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), has shown remarkable resilience. She attended public schools and graduated from Trinity International University in Deerfield Illinois with a degree in Social Science.
Kerry has worked as a Customer Service Representative at Pizza Hut, a Tele Recruiter at the American Red Cross, and a Peer Consultant at Paraquad. In 2001, she launched her own business of Braille Transcription.
Kerry’s heart lies in service. For many years, she has served as the Director of Lutheran Blind Outreach. She also instructed computer fundamentals at Camp Yorktown Bay, located in Mountain Pine, Arkansas. Currently, she serves as the president of two organizations: the Braille Revival League of St. Louis and the Library Users of Missouri.
Carol Moody
Carol, who was born with only light perception, had two blind parents and faced unique challenges from an early age. She underwent her first eye surgery when she was 18 months old. Despite suffering from numerous eye conditions, Carol has managed to preserve some vision. She grew up in St. Louis and attended various schools, including the Missouri School for the Blind. She pursued education relentlessly and graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Her ability to navigate life with determination and grace is truly inspiring.
Carol’s career path has been diverse, spanning different fields and roles related to blindness and visual impairment. She has worked as a receptionist for the Service Club for the Blind, a teacher’s aide and substitute for the Missouri School for the Blind, a case manager for Goodwill Industries, and an itinerant rehabilitation teacher for the Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, serving six counties in her area.
Carol’s passion for making a difference is also reflected in her leadership roles with the United Workers for the Blind, her camp counseling at Mound Ridge in St. James, MO, her volunteering at the Training Center for Service, and her mission outreach work for her Lutheran church, supporting a school in Uganda.
Peggy Smith
Peggy contracted rubella when she was a developing baby in her mother’s womb resulting in several health issues including low vision. When she was a young child in Salem, MO, educational opportunities did not exist for her. In response, her parents made the courageous decision to relocate the family to St. Louis. There, Peggy attended several schools including the Missouri School for the Blind.
Peggy and her husband exemplify compassion and commitment through their roles as foster and adoptive parents to a blind child. Peggy’s professional journey is also impressive. She worked for the Missouri School for the Blind for two decades teaching elementary vocational studies as well as elementary classes. Peggy has served several terms as the president of Midtown Lions and is the past president of United Workers for the Blind. She also volunteers at her church helping to cook desserts for a homeless group. Peggy has previously been a cheerleading coach and a Girl Scout leader.