Jannie Venter is beloved by her listeners on her radio program. This year makes 45 years that she has been in the business and she said the program has not only been a blessing to her, but to her listeners as well.

“Out of these 45 years of radio service, God has truly blessed me to minister to the sick and shut-in, especially those who are in the nursing homes, home bound, jail, etc.,” she said. “The ministry is not about me, but all about Jesus. There is a reality in serving our True and Living God.”

Venter was originally called the “Queen of Gospel”, but she is now known as the “Mother of the Airwaves” to all of her faithful listeners.

This Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center, Ventor is celebrating her 45 years in the radio industry with a gospel concert. The event is set to have several local gospel groups perform during the celebration.

Doors will open at 3 p.m. and the event will start at 3:30 p.m.

Admission is $17 for guests 12 and over and $6 for guest under 12.

Venter began her radio career in 1973 at WTQX radio station.

She later began a 15-minute gospel program with WHBB in 1980. After her popularity grew, the program eventually went to a five- hour segment.

Ventor takes song requests from her listeners, and when she can’t find the song she sings it to them.

On Sunday mornings, she sings some of those songs in the choir at Second Missionary Baptist Church where she is on the usher board as well.

She is the mother of two children, Thelma and Lawrence, grandmother of four and she has one great grandson.

Not only has Venter been on the radio for 45 years, but she has also served her community for many years as well.

She served as Ward 8 City Councilwoman from 2004 to 2008.

During her service as councilwoman, the Jannie Venter Press Box and Concession Stand were built and named for her in her ward.

She is also a Class XII Leadership Dallas County graduate with the Selma Dallas County Leadership Class and a former advisor for the Future Leader/Selma Dallas County Youth Ambassador for eight years.

At 77-years old, Venter still finds the time and energy to volunteer for many different organizations in the community.

She volunteers with the seniors in nursing homes, she’s an AARP member and volunteer, vice president of Auxiliary (Pink Lady) volunteers at Vaughan Regional Medical Center, a member of the Alpha One Civitan Club of Dallas County and a member of the National Council Negro Women, Inc.

“I just love my seniors,” she said. “Everytime I go and see them they say ‘there goes my singing girl.’”

Venter said she is so glad God gave her this gift and she is happy to have shared it with so many people for so long.