Farewell Dear Friends...
Let us pause to remember the dedication of these members we have lost. As we look at their names and their years of service, we think about the work they had done within our Society!
Zeta State Past President
2013
Zeta State has lost two innovative presidents this year.
Mrs. Jessie M. Everett (1985-1987) passed away June 16, 2013.
Dr. Oneita W. Keith (1983-1985) passed away November 22, 2013.
Both women were visionaries in Delta Kappa Gamma and helped sculpt the Zeta State we have today. Dr. Keith was instrumental in the adoption of bylaws for our State and the publication of Zeta State History to celebrate Zeta State's Golden Anniversary. Mrs. Everett changed the structure of Zeta State by dividing the State into districts and by establishing district conferences held in even-numbered years and state conventions held in odd-numbered years. We are truly blessed to have had these ladies as our leaders.
Mrs. Jessie M. Everett (1985-1987) passed away June 16, 2013.
Dr. Oneita W. Keith (1983-1985) passed away November 22, 2013.
Both women were visionaries in Delta Kappa Gamma and helped sculpt the Zeta State we have today. Dr. Keith was instrumental in the adoption of bylaws for our State and the publication of Zeta State History to celebrate Zeta State's Golden Anniversary. Mrs. Everett changed the structure of Zeta State by dividing the State into districts and by establishing district conferences held in even-numbered years and state conventions held in odd-numbered years. We are truly blessed to have had these ladies as our leaders.
2015
Lina Sartor passed away November 21, 2015. She was 98 years old. Lina served two biennia as Zeta State President (1971-1973 & 1973-1975). She is responsible for creating our current models of Saturday state committee meetings and training for incoming officers. She was a driving force in increasing membership and attendance at meetings of all levels. She was inducted into the Order of Magnolia in 2007.
2023
Dot Rieves passed away February 25, 2023. She was inducted into DKG in 1966. She was a dedicated member on both local and state committees. That, plus her outstanding leadership as president of Eta Chapter, led her to the presidency of Zeta State in 1981. During her biennium, she installed three new chapters: Alpha Tau, Alpha Upsilon, and Alpha Phi. At the 1983 Convention, the song "Delta Kappa Gamma Are We" was adopted as the Zeta State song. Dot served as Zeta State Executive Secretary from 1988-2009. Her legacy continues through her daughter, Cynthia Colburn Steen.
Chapter Members
2007-2009
Helen Beckner, Omega
Virginia Burrows, Alpha Theta
Ruby Carson, Alpha Alpha
Gladys Cash, Alpha
Rosemary Chandler, Gamma
Lora Chappell, Tau
Susan Cliett, Alpha Iota
Kaye Ethridge, Alpha Chi
Alice Farnham, Alpha Theta
Aurine Gallaher, Alpha Lambda
Evelyn Gandy, Alpha Beta
Martha Griffen, Alpha Nu
Dr. Lena Harmon, Alpha Psi
Dr. Karen Hill, Alpha Gamma
Betty Hodge, Alpha Beta
Ruth Huggins, Upsilon
Merle Ivy, Alpha Nu
Gladys Mooney, Nu
Christine Payne, Nu
Jean Peden, Psi
Nancy Pitchford, Chi
Olive Rebold, Alpha Theta
Linda Rice, Alpha Delta
Josephine Stallings, Eta
Bennie VanCourt, Alpha Lambda
Mary Frances Watts, Alpha Omega
Deborah Williams, Delta
Kay Young, Gamma
Virginia Burrows, Alpha Theta
Ruby Carson, Alpha Alpha
Gladys Cash, Alpha
Rosemary Chandler, Gamma
Lora Chappell, Tau
Susan Cliett, Alpha Iota
Kaye Ethridge, Alpha Chi
Alice Farnham, Alpha Theta
Aurine Gallaher, Alpha Lambda
Evelyn Gandy, Alpha Beta
Martha Griffen, Alpha Nu
Dr. Lena Harmon, Alpha Psi
Dr. Karen Hill, Alpha Gamma
Betty Hodge, Alpha Beta
Ruth Huggins, Upsilon
Merle Ivy, Alpha Nu
Gladys Mooney, Nu
Christine Payne, Nu
Jean Peden, Psi
Nancy Pitchford, Chi
Olive Rebold, Alpha Theta
Linda Rice, Alpha Delta
Josephine Stallings, Eta
Bennie VanCourt, Alpha Lambda
Mary Frances Watts, Alpha Omega
Deborah Williams, Delta
Kay Young, Gamma
2009-2011
Debra Robinson, Alpha Kappa
Allene Springer, Alpha Kappa
Virginia Wright Matzner, Gamma
Allene Springer, Alpha Kappa
Virginia Wright Matzner, Gamma
2011-2013
Peggy Seay Brent, Tau – January 12, 2013
Lillie Magee, Omega – February 17, 2013
Beatrice Campbell, Delta – May 15, 2013
Dorothy R. Felder, Alpha Iota – June 11, 2013
Jessie Everett, Xi - June 6, 2013 – 1985-87 Zeta State President
Barbara Burns, Beta – June 25, 2013
Lillie Magee, Omega – February 17, 2013
Beatrice Campbell, Delta – May 15, 2013
Dorothy R. Felder, Alpha Iota – June 11, 2013
Jessie Everett, Xi - June 6, 2013 – 1985-87 Zeta State President
Barbara Burns, Beta – June 25, 2013
2013-2015
Carmen Martin Russell, Theta – July 4, 2013
Dr. Mary Alice Benvenutti, Alpha Upsilon – September 26, 2013
Dr. Oneita W. Keith, Lambda – November 22, 2013 - 1983-85 Zeta State President
Rosalyn Folks, Sigma – December 20, 2013
Rebecca Joyce Webb, Xi – February 18, 2014
Hazel Ruth Ainsworth, Psi – February 21, 2014
Janie Finger, Alpha Theta – February 22, 2014
Virginia Hillman, Alpha Gamma – March 26, 2014 - MS Star
Ellen C. Cotton, Chi – March 31, 2014
Peggy Richardson Johnson, Pi – April 11, 2014
Jane Henderson, Alpha Delta – May 1, 2014
Eleanor Drake, Tau - May 12, 2014
Diana Hawkins, Alpha Phi – May 26, 2014
Darleen Dale, Alpha Gamma – June 17, 2014
Elizabeth Montgomery Clarke, Chi – July 9, 2014 – MS Star
Rebecca Barnett, Beta – October 1, 2014 - MS Star
Phyllis S. Roberson, Alpha Beta – October 3, 2014
Shermaine “Sherry” McDill, Pi – October 19, 2014
Earlora Holden, Sigma – November 18, 2014 – MS Star
Betty DeRuiter, Alpha Alpha – November 28, 2014
Dorothy Shawhan, Alpha Sigma – December 2, 2014
Lucy Alford Hull, - February 23. 2015
Vernell Graham, - March 5, 2015
Angela Calcote, Alpha Omega - March 8, 2015
Eugenia Dickinson, Pi – March 15, 2015
Lucille Wood, Xi – May 18, 2015
Sandra Sibley, Alpha Upsilon - May 25, 2015
Dr. Mary Alice Benvenutti, Alpha Upsilon – September 26, 2013
Dr. Oneita W. Keith, Lambda – November 22, 2013 - 1983-85 Zeta State President
Rosalyn Folks, Sigma – December 20, 2013
Rebecca Joyce Webb, Xi – February 18, 2014
Hazel Ruth Ainsworth, Psi – February 21, 2014
Janie Finger, Alpha Theta – February 22, 2014
Virginia Hillman, Alpha Gamma – March 26, 2014 - MS Star
Ellen C. Cotton, Chi – March 31, 2014
Peggy Richardson Johnson, Pi – April 11, 2014
Jane Henderson, Alpha Delta – May 1, 2014
Eleanor Drake, Tau - May 12, 2014
Diana Hawkins, Alpha Phi – May 26, 2014
Darleen Dale, Alpha Gamma – June 17, 2014
Elizabeth Montgomery Clarke, Chi – July 9, 2014 – MS Star
Rebecca Barnett, Beta – October 1, 2014 - MS Star
Phyllis S. Roberson, Alpha Beta – October 3, 2014
Shermaine “Sherry” McDill, Pi – October 19, 2014
Earlora Holden, Sigma – November 18, 2014 – MS Star
Betty DeRuiter, Alpha Alpha – November 28, 2014
Dorothy Shawhan, Alpha Sigma – December 2, 2014
Lucy Alford Hull, - February 23. 2015
Vernell Graham, - March 5, 2015
Angela Calcote, Alpha Omega - March 8, 2015
Eugenia Dickinson, Pi – March 15, 2015
Lucille Wood, Xi – May 18, 2015
Sandra Sibley, Alpha Upsilon - May 25, 2015
2015-2017
Lina Sartor, Alpha Zeta – November 21, 2015 – 1971-1975 Zeta State President
Linda Sue (Miller) Brasel, Iota – February 11, 2016
Dot M. Dorman, Chi - April 17, 2016 – MS Star
Virginia Chain, Alpha Omega – May 29, 2016 – MS Star
Anita Gilmer Lockhart, Alpha – June 3, 2016
Helen S. Barnes, Alpha Gamma – June 27, 2016 – MS Star
Florence “Flo” Davis Boyd, Alpha Theta – August 18, 2016 – Honorary
Dee Thornton Abbott, Alpha Alpha – September 24, 2016 – MS Star
Mary Maxine Jordon Caulfield, Lambda – January 12, 2017
Amy Harrelson, Beta Alpha – December 22, 2016
Edith J. Magee, Delta – March 28, 2017
Dr. Sula J. Marsalis, Gamma – April 1, 2017 – MS Star
Earline L. Hart, Alpha Gamma – April 5, 2017
Martha Floy Van Zant, Zeta – April 10, 2017
Betty Jean Barnes, Upsilon – June 24, 2017
Nolena Love Stephens, Psi – June 27, 2017
Linda Sue (Miller) Brasel, Iota – February 11, 2016
Dot M. Dorman, Chi - April 17, 2016 – MS Star
Virginia Chain, Alpha Omega – May 29, 2016 – MS Star
Anita Gilmer Lockhart, Alpha – June 3, 2016
Helen S. Barnes, Alpha Gamma – June 27, 2016 – MS Star
Florence “Flo” Davis Boyd, Alpha Theta – August 18, 2016 – Honorary
Dee Thornton Abbott, Alpha Alpha – September 24, 2016 – MS Star
Mary Maxine Jordon Caulfield, Lambda – January 12, 2017
Amy Harrelson, Beta Alpha – December 22, 2016
Edith J. Magee, Delta – March 28, 2017
Dr. Sula J. Marsalis, Gamma – April 1, 2017 – MS Star
Earline L. Hart, Alpha Gamma – April 5, 2017
Martha Floy Van Zant, Zeta – April 10, 2017
Betty Jean Barnes, Upsilon – June 24, 2017
Nolena Love Stephens, Psi – June 27, 2017
2017-2019
Marie Hinnart Watson, Alpha Iota – July 23, 2017
Mary Ann Russell, Gamma – October 1, 2017 – MS Star
Jane M. Wade, Alpha Lambda – October 4, 2017
Emily Jane Burris, Alpha Theta – November 24, 2017
Mary Edith Foil, Omega – November 30, 2017
Julia Bouchelle Blood, Beta – December 31, 2017 – MS Star
Gloria Dandridge Kelley, Psi - December 28, 2017 – MS Star
Freda Cooley, Sigma – January 25, 2018
Eleanor H, Whitmire, Tau – May 17, 2018 – Honorary Member
Sherry Whitmore, Alpha Lambda – March 23, 2018
Dr. Frances O. McDonald, Alpha Upsilon – May 29, 2018
Susan Pattridge Berryhill, Iota – August 29, 2018
Dr. Lura Lee Scales, Tau – January 29, 2019
Suzanne Brasfield, Alpha Iota – February 10, 2019
Katherine Powell Bush, Alpha Alpha – February 28, 2019
Linda McCluney Anglin, Tau – March 6, 2019 – Founder of the MS Professional Educators Association
Phyllis Raymond, Psi - March 9, 2019
Dr. Iva McCants, Beta - April 13, 2019
Leota Cardwell, Alpha Kappa - April 26, 2019 - MS Star
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Stevens, Zeta - May 15, 2019 - MS Star
Mary Lee Livesay, Beta - May 24, 2019 - MS Star
Nona Eloise Davis Livingston - Upsilon - June 16, 2019 - MS Star
Mary Ann Russell, Gamma – October 1, 2017 – MS Star
Jane M. Wade, Alpha Lambda – October 4, 2017
Emily Jane Burris, Alpha Theta – November 24, 2017
Mary Edith Foil, Omega – November 30, 2017
Julia Bouchelle Blood, Beta – December 31, 2017 – MS Star
Gloria Dandridge Kelley, Psi - December 28, 2017 – MS Star
Freda Cooley, Sigma – January 25, 2018
Eleanor H, Whitmire, Tau – May 17, 2018 – Honorary Member
Sherry Whitmore, Alpha Lambda – March 23, 2018
Dr. Frances O. McDonald, Alpha Upsilon – May 29, 2018
Susan Pattridge Berryhill, Iota – August 29, 2018
Dr. Lura Lee Scales, Tau – January 29, 2019
Suzanne Brasfield, Alpha Iota – February 10, 2019
Katherine Powell Bush, Alpha Alpha – February 28, 2019
Linda McCluney Anglin, Tau – March 6, 2019 – Founder of the MS Professional Educators Association
Phyllis Raymond, Psi - March 9, 2019
Dr. Iva McCants, Beta - April 13, 2019
Leota Cardwell, Alpha Kappa - April 26, 2019 - MS Star
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Stevens, Zeta - May 15, 2019 - MS Star
Mary Lee Livesay, Beta - May 24, 2019 - MS Star
Nona Eloise Davis Livingston - Upsilon - June 16, 2019 - MS Star
2019-2021
Sharon K. Blackwell, Delta - July 5, 2019
Vera Celeste Ward, Omega - August 17, 2019 - MS Star
Sharon Jones, Sigma - October 9, 2019
Hilda Owen, Sigma - October 18, 2019
Doris Culumber, Zeta - October 24, 2019
Dorris Smith Breckenridge, Alpha Beta - November 3, 2019
Virginia (Ginger) Josey Bush, Iota - December 7, 2019
Justice Lenore Prather, Zeta State -April 11, 2020 - Honorary Member
Shirley Smith Joiner, Iota - May 8, 2020
Polly M. Gordon, Xi - May 20, 2020 - MS Star
Carolyn Richardson Felder, Alpha Theta - July 22, 2020
Gwynne Lee Barrett, Phi - July 25, 2020
Dr. Elizabeth Patterson Nelms, Alpha Lambda - August 25, 2020
Adilaid Page Maddox, Lambda - October 27, 2020 - MS Star
Waurene Going, Alpha Delta - November 17, 2020 - MS Star
Edna E. Cupit, Eta - November 20, 2020 - MS Star
Charlotte Deaton, Upsilon - December 1, 2020
Mary Ann Stanback Wilson, Alpha Delta - January 1, 2021 - MS Star
Mary Lou Webb, Rho- February 17, 2021 - Honorary Member
Vera Celeste Ward, Omega - August 17, 2019 - MS Star
Sharon Jones, Sigma - October 9, 2019
Hilda Owen, Sigma - October 18, 2019
Doris Culumber, Zeta - October 24, 2019
Dorris Smith Breckenridge, Alpha Beta - November 3, 2019
Virginia (Ginger) Josey Bush, Iota - December 7, 2019
Justice Lenore Prather, Zeta State -April 11, 2020 - Honorary Member
Shirley Smith Joiner, Iota - May 8, 2020
Polly M. Gordon, Xi - May 20, 2020 - MS Star
Carolyn Richardson Felder, Alpha Theta - July 22, 2020
Gwynne Lee Barrett, Phi - July 25, 2020
Dr. Elizabeth Patterson Nelms, Alpha Lambda - August 25, 2020
Adilaid Page Maddox, Lambda - October 27, 2020 - MS Star
Waurene Going, Alpha Delta - November 17, 2020 - MS Star
Edna E. Cupit, Eta - November 20, 2020 - MS Star
Charlotte Deaton, Upsilon - December 1, 2020
Mary Ann Stanback Wilson, Alpha Delta - January 1, 2021 - MS Star
Mary Lou Webb, Rho- February 17, 2021 - Honorary Member
2021-2023
Faye Wright, Alpha - March 16, 2021.
Carol Morris, Alpha Delta - June 10, 2021 Honorary Member
Dorothy Prestwich, Eta - August 7, 2021
Kristin Knight, Alpha Delta - September 24, 2021
Patricia (Pat) Skellie, Alpha Upsilon - December 9, 2021
Mrs. Irene Cook, Omega - December 11, 2021
Martha Moser, Alpha Alpha - January 12, 2022
M. Kay Bramlett, Eta - January 18, 2022
Phyllis Howell Armstrong, Alpha Beta - February 10, 2022
Faye M. Rogers, Alpha Beta - March 9, 2022
Helen Mestayer, Alpha Upsilon - March 16, 2022
Dr. Margaret Carmean, Beta - July 15, 2022
Mary Wallace Boles, Zeta - December 24, 2022
Sue Eubanks, Alpha Alpha - January 30, 2023
Debbie Nobles, Alpha Beta - February 3,2023.
Sherill Haynes, Alpha Chi - February 8, 2023
Patsy Wilborn, Alpha Delta - February 16, 2023
Helen Tillman, Xi, - February 19, 2023
Carol Morris, Alpha Delta - June 10, 2021 Honorary Member
Dorothy Prestwich, Eta - August 7, 2021
Kristin Knight, Alpha Delta - September 24, 2021
Patricia (Pat) Skellie, Alpha Upsilon - December 9, 2021
Mrs. Irene Cook, Omega - December 11, 2021
Martha Moser, Alpha Alpha - January 12, 2022
M. Kay Bramlett, Eta - January 18, 2022
Phyllis Howell Armstrong, Alpha Beta - February 10, 2022
Faye M. Rogers, Alpha Beta - March 9, 2022
Helen Mestayer, Alpha Upsilon - March 16, 2022
Dr. Margaret Carmean, Beta - July 15, 2022
Mary Wallace Boles, Zeta - December 24, 2022
Sue Eubanks, Alpha Alpha - January 30, 2023
Debbie Nobles, Alpha Beta - February 3,2023.
Sherill Haynes, Alpha Chi - February 8, 2023
Patsy Wilborn, Alpha Delta - February 16, 2023
Helen Tillman, Xi, - February 19, 2023
Honorary Zeta State Member
Chief Justice Lenore Prather
Supreme Court Justice Lenore Prather
Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court Lenore Prather was initiated as a Zeta State Honorary Member at the 1999 Southeast Regional Conference held in Biloxi. Prather became the first female to hold Chancellorship in MS when she was appointed Chancery Judge for the 14th Chancery District in 1971. She became the first female Justice for the state of MS when appointed to the state Supreme Court in 1982. She spent her life in community service and in promoting a better life for younger and older citizens of the state (The History of ZETA STATE 1934-2009, P. 328). Decisions that she wrote during her tenure on the court had a direct, positive impact on children and women in Mississippi. At the conclusion of her legal career, Prather served as interim president of Mississippi University for Women.
Contributions to education and the well-being of women and children:
Contributions to education and the well-being of women and children:
- As a Supreme Court Justice, Prather wrote a decision in a case that specified factors to determine a child’s best interests in a custody dispute between parents.
- She wrote a decision in another case that set guidelines for equitable distribution of marital assets in divorce, which included giving women credit for nonRea-financial contributions to the family.
...You Will Be Missed!
