What is the Relief Society?

Mary Ellen W. Smoot was named general president of the Relief Society of THE CHURCH of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints on April 5, 1997. She has been director of church hosting since April 1993 with her husband, Stanley M. Smoot; attended Utah State University; organized the Centerville Historical Society; board member of the South Davis Community Hospital and United Way; author of a history of Centerville; served on editorial board of The Friend magazine; Relief Society president; member of Church Correlation Writing Committee; missionary serving with her husband, who presided over the Ohio Columbus and Ohio Akron missions; seven children.

Virginia U. Jensen was sustained as the first counselor in the General Presidency of the Relief Society on April 5, 1997. She has been serving as church building hosting director; attended University of Utah; former secretary to the University of Utah Alumni Association and University of Utah Union; active in parent-teachers associations; served as an officer, teacher and board member of the Relief Society and Young Women's organization; Primary teacher, activities committee member; husband, J. Rees Jensen, four children.

Sheri L. Dew was sustained as the second counselor in the General Presidency of the Relief Society on April 5, 1997. Currently vice president of publishing for Deseret Book Co.; former associate publisher, This People magazine; former assistant editor, Bookcraft Publishers; earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University; served as a ward and stake Relief Society president, Sunday School teacher and Relief Society General Board member. She is believed to be the first single member of the Relief Society General Presidency.

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