Three community heroes were honored by the Suffolk Democratic Committee Saturday during its annual Heroes Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Jean Copeland, Beverly Outlaw and Ron Williams were recognized and presented with plaques. The person who nominated each person introduced their nominee to the crowd of more than 100 people.

“In the community of Holland, where she resides, she has been the go-to person for any problems we have had,” Arthur Singleton said of Jean Copeland.

Copeland is a graduate of Virginia Union University and Virginia State University and taught at Southampton County Schools for 41 years. She is a member of Laurel Hill United Church of Christ, president of Holland/Holy Neck/Pittmantown Civic League, a former electoral board member, former treasurer for the Suffolk Democratic Committee and former board of trustees member at Elon University.

Outlaw was introduced by Susan Rowland.

“She is one of the most warm and welcoming people I have ever met in politics,” Rowland said. “She’s someone that I aspire to be like.”

Outlaw is a member of the electoral board and also is a nurse, which has made her passionate about access to health care.

“Beverly has really come to the forefront to educate me on a lot of the issues,” Rowland said. “I think it shows her compassion and love for her fellow citizen that she wants to make sure we get access to health care.”

Outlaw credited her mother with the honor. “She always instilled the value in me that we should use whatever talents we have to serve God and better the community,” Outlaw said. She also said it was a “double honor” to be recognized alongside Copeland and Williams.

“I’ve always viewed them with admiration and affection and respect,” she said.

Joan Turner introduced Williams.

“Mr. Williams exemplifies humility, kindness, care and concern for all citizens,” Turner said.

As the city treasurer since 1982, Williams has conducted his annual United Way Golf Tournament for the last 21 years, resulting in more than $300,000 being donated to local organizations.

“We’ve been able to support some agencies that otherwise would have had a really tough time,” Williams said. He specifically mentioned the Boys and Girls Clubs Suffolk Unit and the Sickle Cell Association.

“It’s really good work they do, and that’s why I do what I do,” Williams said of the Boys and Girls Club. And of the Sickle Cell Association, he added, “We’re going to have a cure for that disease one day.”