BAG LADY BRUNCH

The 7th Bi-Annual Bag Lady Brunch will be held at Carmel Country Club, Charlotte, on Tuesday, April 21, 2021, beginning at 10:30 a.m. This event allows you to bid on hundreds of new and gently used designer handbags, jewelry, experiences, and more! We are proud to announce this year’s keynote speaker, Meriwether Ball.

Meriwether Ball is a notable figure in the niche of US military history and journalism, known for her deep connection to the U.S. Marine Corps and her contributions to military history. Born into a family with a strong military service background, Meriwether’s
personal history was a significant factor in her decision to serve. She joined the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1999 at the age of 35, which was unusual as she was older than the typical enlistee and a single mother with experience in journalism. She served as a non-commissioned Public Affairs Officer (E-4), spending weekends at USNR offices in Quincy, MA, and Newport, RI. Her naval service was cut short due to family commitments but her passion for military history remained undiminished.

Soon after her Naval service, Miss Ball became the founder and President/CEO of Corps Stories, Inc., a nonprofit online publication, where she focused on documenting and sharing the stories of U.S. Marines. Her work includes writing several books, including “Puller Chronicles Volume 1” which explores the life and ancestral Christian faith of her distant cousin, LtGen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller. Her third book, “Great Marines of Virginia,” is part of a series that catalogs the lives of Marine Corps heroes by their home states, showcasing their ordinary lives alongside their extraordinary service.

She overcame a violent upbringing and an abusive marriage, channeling her strength into raising a successful child. Her journey includes long-term recovery from alcoholism (36+ years) is a testament to her faith. She transformed pain into empowerment, inspiring through her story of survival, recovery, and motherhood.