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Heirs of Grace was originally formed in 1999 by three women, two of which are still with the group and singing today. Heirs of Grace joined the Emerald Coast Southern Gospel Music Associaton in 2002 and was nominated and won the award for New Artist of Year. In both 2002 and 2003 they were nominated as Female Vocalists of the Year. In 2007 they were nominated Trio of the Year with the West Georgia Southern Gospel Music Convention. The group has several recordings which feature original songs written by each member.
Kerry Nolen, lead/soprano is one of the original members of the group. Kerry was born in Quantico, Virginia while her father was stationed there in the U.S. Marines. She spent most of her life traveling to various military bases during the time of her father's service. When she started school, her family moved to Tallahassee, Florida, which was her parents' original home. Kerry now resides in Crawfordville, Florida, with her husband Mac. They have two grown boys. Raymond, the oldest, is married to Cindy's (one of the other members of the group) daughter Stacy, and they have three precious children. Matthew, the youngest, currently serves in the United States Navy.
Kerry has been in church all her life. At a young age, she committed her life to the Lord. As far back as she can remember, she has been involved with the church in whatever capacity she was needed, including serving as the President of Women's Ministries, Sunday School Teacher, congregational song leader and soloist. Her true passion, however, is singing gospel music. She is an active member in her local church, Evangel Assembly of God, and participates in the choir.
Kerry gives God the glory for all the blessings in her life and the opportunities he has sent her way. It is her desire to use her talent to reach those who have never accepted Christ as their Savior. It is further her prayer that through the words sung, people will be inspired, encouraged, strengthened and uplifted.
Cindy O'Steen
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Cindy is also one of the original members of the group and sings second soprano, lead and tenor.
Cindy was born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida and lived a short time in Westville, Florida before moving to Tallahassee, Florida with her family. God placed a love for singing in her heart at an early age. Cindy remembers singing at the age of four in the church her father pastored while in Westville. She would stand on the altar so the congregation would have a better view of her. That love is still in her heart today.
Cindy now resides in Monticello, Florida with her husband, Scott. They have two daughters. Stacy is the oldest and is married to Kerry and Mac's son Raymond. Katie is the youngest and still living at home. Together with Kerry and Mac, they have three beautiful grandchildren. Chelsy, Raymond IV and James Scott. They bring alot of joy to their lives.
Cindy feels very blessed to be part of a ministry that longs to serve the Lord using the gifts He has given them and wants God to be glorified in that calling and point the way to Jesus Christ.
Risa Powell
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Risa was born in Tallahassee, Florida and raised in Capitola. She has sang all her life. Her family remembers her rocking in her chair to keep time with the music, and singing at the age of three. She grew up in a rich musical environment. Her mother sang and played piano at their church. Her father sang, yodeled and played the harmonica. She has three other siblings, her two sisters sang and her brother plays a twelve string guitar and sings as well. She sang as a young teen with her mother, sister and sister-in-law in a trio at local churches.
Risa's most treasured memories are the family sing-alongs they had. The harmony was so natural it seemed to flow like water. Her mother's love of old hymns, her playing and singing them' was like a mirror to her soul. Risa says she can close her eyes and still see her singing songs like, "Mansion Over the Hilltop", "Follow Me", and "Glory Land". Her mother would say to Risa, "Sing to the Lord with all your heart".
Risa is married to Robert Powell. She has two children, Billy and Tiffany. Billy is married to Nicole and they have two children (Braden and Hannah). It is Risa's desire that this musical heritage she has been blessed to be a part of will be the legacy to follow for future generations.
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