The 2023 SBC Ministers’ Wives Luncheon began by honoring Mary K. Mohler as this year’s Willie Turner Dawson Award recipient. This award is given to a minister's wife who has made a significant denominational contribution beyond the local church and has displayed Christian character in her service to others.

Mrs. Mohler began her remarks by recognizing the tireless sacrifice of so many ministers’ wives who are deserving to be honored and too often go unrecognized. “There are women serving in difficult places among difficult people who give very little affirmation yet are persevering day after day. We know that as Scripture teaches us, God is not unjust as to overlook your work and the labor you do and the love that you show in his name in serving the saints,” said Mohler.

In accepting the award, Mrs. Mohler expressed her love of the Southern Baptist Convention and the joy it has been to serve the convention as the President’s Wife of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the founder of the Seminary Wives Institute. Mrs. Mohler acknowledged that her service has only been possible because of the wonderful faculty wives she has had the gift of serving alongside, many of whom were present at the Ministers’ Wives Luncheon. Mrs. Mohler expressed, “I am surrounded by a stellar group of faculty wives who bring their own gifts and talents and energies to the table. Together we have the joy of seeing the rich fruit come from the Seminary Wives Institute.” Alongside these faculty wives, Mrs. Mohler has led the Seminary Wives Institute to prepare hundreds of women for faithful church ministry alongside their husbands.

Mrs. Mohler concluded her remarks by expressing her gratitude for the love and support of her family, who were present at the luncheon. President R. Albert Mohler, Jr. stood beside her during her acceptance speech, showing his delight at her receiving the award.

The Southern Seminary community celebrates the SBC Ministers’ Wives Luncheon selection of Mary Mohler for the Willie Turner Dawson Award. Mrs. Mohler has played an instrumental part in President Mohler’s work to recover faithfulness at Southern Seminary and has impacted the lives of countless students and families through her joyful service.