Meet The Board

Cynthia Johnson has been active in Christian service. She has stayed true to the assignments God has given her, and as a result, United Praise Choir QC has become a reality. As Executive Director of United Praise, she is excited to work with a great board of directors, and expectant of a successful union of celebration, edification, and unity of the Christian faith community.

My current role in United Praise Choir QC, along with Worship vocals, is as Board Member. My role will be in Money Management and Accounting Assistance, as well as producing Treasurer reports. 

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I believe in this Ministry, and my desire is to help United Praise, and its Mission, to grow. 

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My experience has been singing for many years in school and worship choirs, as well as music retail management. A few years after graduating high school, I moved to Florida, where I managed a music store in North Miami.

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I love the United Praise worship and mission, and the reason I am here is because God placed CJ Lomas in my path, and she asked me a question- “Can you sing?" and I said yes!

I am Deb Hoyt, a board member of United Praise. I am a member of The Word Church of New Beginnings.  I will do my best to represent all of you and to listen to you.

Fun fact, my senior year of college, we spent about two weeks performing at different churches, singing and touring in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Evangelist EFay Moore’s journey began humbly—singing hymns at her parents’ bedside with her siblings. She currently serves as President of Royal Neighbors Chapter 20042, and is on the Presidential Committee for United Praise, promoting unity through worship.

 Evangelist EFay is a ministry team member at The Word Church in East Moline, IL, under Pastor Lorenzo Martin, teaching Bible study, Sunday school, new members’ classes, and participating in daily Bible reading.

Evangelist EFay Moore is deeply committed to leading others to Christ by reflecting God’s love and teaching by example.

My journey with music began at the age of three, nurtured by my mother, singer Sugar Young, who recorded with the legendary Reverend Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers. This early influence led me to join my hometown youth choir and eventually perform at the world-famous Apollo Theater.

Today, I serve in the United Praise choir as a Charter Member, Board Member, Director, and Lead Vocalist, bringing my deep-rooted passion and extensive experience to the choir. My theatrical credits include roles in the gospel musical Black Nativity (2019-2021).

I have been a member of the Word Church of East Moline, IL, for the past 14 years, and I founded and direct its Youth Choir (est. 2013). 

Tracy Harrellson has been working for John Deere PDC for over 20 years. In that time, she has become an Ordained Chaplain Representative for the United Auto Workers.  In some capacity, She has served the UAW as a Guide on the Official Board, a part of the Civil Rights Committee, and Chairperson for EEOC committee joint with John Deere. The most rewarding is the Chaplaincy.

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While living in Maryland, she became a licensed real estate agent and raised two children; her greatest achievement in life is her son and daughter.

She attends church and serves as a Sunday School Teacher and a member of the NAACP. She looks forward to retiring soon and finding another opportunity to serve the community.

Lissa M. L. Horne is a dedicated mother of two living in the Quad Cities since 2024. Although Lissa is new to the area, she is not new to the Arts!

 Her passion and drive for all things creative began when she was young and began to play the violin. This was only the beginning and flourished when she joined the children’s choir at her church.

 It is with renewed passion and enthusiasm that Ms. Horne continues to praise and uplift the name of Jesus, endeavoring to mentor others to do the same.