No Sad Story Ministries

Mrs. Valerie L. Lawson-Watkins, CEO of No Sad Story, INC

I was born in Kinston, NC, July 9,1956. Raised with 5 brothers, my mom was my best friend.  She taught me how to be a lil girl, a young lady, a young woman, a nurturing mother and a good friend. I also lived  in Williamston, NC, Newark, NJ, Newburgh, NY, Bridgeport, CT, Groton, Ct, Atlanta, Ga, Charlotte, NC and now reside in Rock Hill, SC. My father was a pastor and my mom was an evangelist. After graduating from high school in 1974  with a diploma in Fashion Design, I attended Berkeley School of Merchandising in East Orange, NJ with  an Associates in Fashion Merchandising. I returned home in 1976 to assist her brother, Bishop Lonnell I. Lawson to establish his ministry and was ordained as an Evangelist at the age of 22. The passing of my father in 1994 was a catalyst for change that rippled throughout the Lawson family as we learned my father contracted and transmitted AIDS to our mother. My overwhelming love and compassion for my mother, who passed away in 1996 following a harrowing battle with AIDS eventually led me to write my first book in 2014, “No Sad Story”, and launch my ministry / organization. Having borne witness to the detrimental effect that the HIV/AIDS stigma has on those afflicted, including societal discrimination around education, housing, insurance, and employment, I felt called to established my 501c3, No Sad Story Ministry, in 2014 to be a voice for the suppressed HIV/AIDS community in honor of my mother. Mrs. Bertrina Lawson. On April 8,2020, Domestic Violence was added to my organization because of a tragedy that occurred in my husband’s and my home. I was at home, my husband wasn’t. Thank God!  I fled the scene and hid in my bedroom closet as I proceeded to dial 911.  I was unharmed physically. But traumatized for life along with my Goddaughter Sharekia’s living oldest son Alex. My goddaughter and her estranged husband’s 5-year-old son was shot and killed by him. Then, he committed suicided in our home. Cry Out 2 Get Out! Unmasking the Mask of Domestic Violence was birthed in her honor. I’m living to turn tragedy into Triumph! If I can help someone as I travel along, then my living won’t be in vain. You can donate to the cause.

Bishop Lonnell I. Lawson Sr., Ph. D, Vice President

Bishop Lawson is a highly accredited professional having graduated from University of Hartford with a BS in Business Management in l975, he furthered his education and ministry with a BA of Theology from Northgate Bible College, BA of Religious Study from Logos Bible College, a Master of Theology from Logos Bible Institute, and his Doctorate of Philosophy in Religion from the North Carolina College of Theology.  In 1978, he founded, established and organized Powerhouse Temple of Deliverance Church Inc., and remains its Senior Pastor/Apostolic Leader. This unique ministry serves as a voice proclaiming a Kingdom message through Kingdom methods with Kingdom manifestations. Continuing his educational pursuits, he entered and completed the Clinical Pastoral Education (APCE, Inc.), Internship and Residency Program at Yale New Haven Hospital in May 2008. He is currently, the first African American Pentecostal Staff Chaplain in the Department of Spiritual Care at Yale New Haven Hospital. In June 2005, Bishop Lawson was elected President of the Greater New Haven Clergy Association where he served for three consecutive terms. In 2010, he organized Kingdom International Assemblies and Afflictions (KIAA) as Presiding Prelate. Traveling and carrying the Kingdom message is a passion that has taken his ministry to: England, Japan, Korea, Holland, Jamaica, Jerusalem and many cities throughout the United States as well.

Joyce Miller, Marketing / Media Facilitator

Joyce obtained her BA from the University of North Carolina where she majored in Theater Arts and Speech Communications, and minored in Psychology.  Following an industrious 23-year career in the Catering & Food Service industry, having held management positions with Marriott, Dillard University and AT&T State University, Joyce turned her sights to marketing. She currently serves as the WATS Director for Marketing & Research, Inc.; and she is the Owner & CEO of her own business, Miller World Travel since 2015.  Throughout her career, Joyce has received numerous accolades and awards, created programs like First Thursday Student Life Program for Dillard University, and she launched the University’s National Food Reclamation & Job Training Program.  She serves her community by volunteering for Fayetteville State University, Methodist College, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Habitat for Humanity to name a few.  She is also a member of the Rotary Club, Lions Club International, CUFI, International Fellowship of Christians & Jews, and several travel related associations. 

Deborah Toolay, Life Coach

Deborah Tulay is a breast cancer and domestic abuse survivor, 2-time best-selling author, radio and special program host, minister, and international speaker. She continues to touch the lives of many through her personal testimony and message of hope to Live Life on Purpose. Deborah currently serves in ministry full-time at The Well Church. She enjoys serving others and time spent with family and friends. Her motto is “Life isn’t lived until it’s lived on purpose.”

Prophet Jim Evans / NSSM Ministry Prayer Covering