August 18, 1945 was a momentous day for sixteen women teachers of Giles, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Marshall Counties. They became charter members of Phi Chapter, Xi State. Delta Kappa Gamma (now known as Phi Chapter, Tennessee State Organization of DKG). The Charter Members were: Hannah Staggs, Evelyn McCrory, Eugenia Rich Murray, Elizabeth Davis, Miss Myrtle Haynes, Grace Zumbro, Eliot Copeland, Myra Baxter, Florine Hendrix, Sarah Margaret Lunn, Marian McAffee, Ruby O’Rear, Elizabeth Parker, Elizabeth Reed, Annie Mary Springer and Helen Zuccarello. These ladies met at the Giles County Library in Pulaski with Miss Mary Hall, a Tennessee State Founder and State Membership Chairman. Miss Tommye Reynolds, past state president, and Miss Perry Williamson assisted Miss Hall. It is doubtful that any of the sixteen ladies except Mrs. Zumbro and Miss Myrtle, who were state members had ever heard of Delta Kappa Gamma before receiving the invitation. At that time an element of secrecy was connected with membership and because of this, those who received invitations hesitated to speak to friends about the invitation. Some who were close neighbors did not know the others had been invited until a few days before the Pulaski meeting. What a feeling of awe and wonder each one had that day as she was initiated!
The group immediately proved that they were persons of sound judgement by electing Helen Zuccarello as president. Other officers were: Grace Zumbro, first vice-president; Annie Mary Springer, second vice-president; Eliot Copeland, recording secretary; Elizabeth Reed, corresponding secretary; Elizabeth Parker, treasurer; Evelyn McCrory, parliamentarian. The first meeting of Phi Chapter was held on October 6, 1945 at the home of Helen Zuccarello in Campbellsville. This was a planning and business meeting. Upon arrival members were told of the passing of Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, the founder of Delta Kappa Gamma Society. Other meetings of 1945 – 1946 were: February 2, Lewisburg – Topic: Schools and Teachers of the Post-War World; April 6, Pulaski – Luncheon meeting, Topic: Education is the New World Peace; May 25, Picnic.
The first initiation was held at the Methodist Church in Pulaski on April 6, 1946. The initiation luncheon was served by the Home Economics Department of Martin College. Miss Flora Rawls, state president, spoke on “This is a Great Time to be a Teacher.” During the first biennium, each member contributed one dollar and the chapter sent a package to the World Education Service Council, a goodwill service to teachers overseas. Miss Mary Kathryn Tanner, state president, was a guest speaker at the February 1947 meeting. She spoke on “Ten Milestones in Education.” In 1948 Helen Zuccarello presented the charter to the chapter. Miss Myrtle Haynes presented a red Bible as a part of the initiation. Five new members were initiated during the service at Giles County High School in November, 1948. The initiation was followed by a banquet in the school cafeteria. The program theme for 1949-1950 was “Teacher Welfare, Personal and Professional Adjustment.” The chapter participated in the World Friendship Among Children program and gave a $200.00 scholarship to a future teacher. Nancy Cunningham from Lincoln County was the recipient of this scholarship. The chapter also endorsed the five-point program of the TEA. In 1950 Phi Chapter was asked to be in charge of the Birthday Luncheon at the state convention at Sewanee. Helen Zuccarello was general chairman; Grace Zumbro presided; Evelyn McCrory gave the invocation and Vivian Shields was the guest speaker.
At the state convention at Sewanee in June, 1953 Phi Chapter was hostess at an informal reception for the state president. Fifteen members attended. Phi’s yearbook was one of seven to meet state requirements and our scrapbook was one of three to receive commendations.
In 1955 each member contributed $1.50 towards the headquarters building and the entire amount was presented in honor of Miss Mary Hall, state founder and chapter organizer. The question of dividing Phi Chapter came up for the first time but consideration was deferred. The twenty-fifth anniversary of Phi Chapter was observed in November 1970 in Fayetteville. Charter members and past presidents were recognized.
On August 8, 1975, at David Crockett State Park Restaurant, Phi Chapter celebrated its thirtieth birthday. All ten living charter members, who had remained in the chapter, were present. Miss Mary Hall, the founder of Phi Chapter was also present. She informed the chapter that it must divide.
The chapter workshop and planning meeting was held in Pulaski on September 6, 1975. At this meeting, plans were initiated to divide Phi Chapter into two chapters. Giles and Lawrence Counties would split from Lincoln and Marshall Counties. On April 24, 1976, Phi Chapter was officially divided. Giles and Lawrence Counties remained as Phi Chapter; Lincoln and Marshall Counties became Beta Kappa, the fifty-eighth chapter of TNSO. Miss Mary Hall and Mrs. Souci Hall helped with the division of the chapter and the forming of the new chapter. At TNSO Convention in 1976, Phi Chapter was well represented with 30 members in attendance. This was a record for Phi Chapter. During the 1980 – 1982 Biennium, Elizabeth Whorley, TNSO President, was the speaker at the October 3, 1981 meeting at David Crockett State Park Restaurant. At this meeting three new members were initiated. They were Carolyn Abernathy, Marianne Gilbert and Frances Suddarth all from Giles County. August, 1985, Phi Chapter celebrated her 40th Anniversary with 31 members and 7 charter members in attendance. The celebration was held in Pulaski. This was also TNSO’s 50th Anniversary. Dolores Neidert was president during this biennium. Members initiated in October 1987 were Sue Brewer and Cathy Cesarini. Avis Henderson, Chapter President commented about the most exciting moment of her biennium was when her daughters went with her to Sewanee. Rosie Coleman’s Biennium was 1988 – 1990. During this Biennium, Cynthia Ripp was initiated in 1988; Katie Harwell was initiated in 1989. During 1990 – 1992, Carolyn Abernathy served as Chapter President. Barbara Jennings and Christy Bottoms were initiated in 1990. Phi Chapter Founder and Past State President, Mary Hall passed away in 1991. Pamela Groves was chapter president for the 1994 – 1996 Biennium. Phi Chapter began this biennium with 74 members. Jean Bryan was invited to the White House Conference on Aging by Bill Clinton. Phi Chapter celebrated her 50th Anniversary on October 26, 1995 with a banquet. For the 1996 – 1998 Biennium, Frances Pinckley was president. Sherry Woods was initiated in October, 1996. Rosie Coleman was given the Order of the Rose in June, 1998 at the TNSO Convention.
During the 1998 – 2000 Biennium, Cynitha Ripp was Phi’s Chapter President. There was a joint meeting between Phi Chapter and Beta Kappa Chapter in September, 1999. It was a joyous occasion to see old friends. This created a tradition of September Brunches at Lynn Caruthers’ Home. She hosted these brunches at her home from 1999 – 2011. Also in this biennium, Rosie Coleman was elected TNSO Corresponding Secretary and Cynthia Ripp was appointed as Area VI Director. Carole Ivey was Phi Chapter president for the 2000 – 2002 Biennium. Rosie Coleman served as TNSO Fellowship chair. There were five Phi members with 50 years of service to DKG. They were: Charlette Howard, Julia Smith, Mary Willis, Ethel Holt, and Inez Sandusky. Lynn Caruthers was the Chapter President during the 2002 – 2004 Biennium. The Joint Christmas Brunch for Phi, Rho, Alpha Rho and Beta Rho was started 2003. Phi Chapter lost the last charter member, Elliot Alexander, during this biennium. Phi Chapter President for 2004 – 2006 biennium was Sherry Woods. In August, 2005 Phi Chapter celebrated her 60th Anniversary. Beta Kappa came to the celebration. The chapter scholarship fund was started. The chapter website was created. Phi chapter won the Gold Award. With the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, three Phi Chapter members, Lynn Caruthers, Barbara Edwards and Sherry Woods, went to Pascagoula, Mississippi in 2006. While there, they helped an elementary librarian to catalog books that were not destroyed in the hurricane. The next year these same women went back in 2007 to help catalog new books that the library bought with a grant. For the 2006 – 2008 Biennium, Marilyn Shaver was Phi President. During Marilyn’s term, Phi Chapter produced a cookbook composed of favorite recipes from members. Money raised from this project was used to invest in a Money Market Account to fund present and future scholarships for college students majoring in education. Phi Chapter became a Visionary Chapter through member contributions. Members celebrated Founders’ Day by dressing as ladies did at the time our chapter began. Nancy Davis, TNSO Treasurer, came as our guest speaker. For the first time, Phi Chapter hosted the Joint Christmas Brunch with the three Rho Chapters: Rho, Alpha Rho, and Beta Rho. Elaine Warwick, TNSO President, was the guest speaker. Jensi Souders, an International DKG Officer, provided entertainment with a flute concert. Diane Braswell was the 2008 – 2010 Biennium President. At the 2008 TNSO Convention in Sewanee, nine Phi Members, along with Diane, attended. We rejoiced because we achieved the Chapter Excellence Gold Award, Yearbook Highest Honors Award, Communication Highest Honors Award, and the Visionary Chapter Pin. We decided that each Phi president would wear the pin during their biennium. The 2008 Delta Kappa Gamma International Convention was held on July 22-27 in Chicago. Marilyn Shaver and Sherry Woods represented Phi Chapter at this convention. Carole Ivey was in charge of collecting money and planning for our chapter’s 75th Anniversary. Phi and the three Rho Chapters Annual Joint Christmas Luncheon was held on December 6, 2008. We met at the beautiful Walking Horse Bed and Breakfast in Franklin, Tennessee. We enjoyed a delicious luncheon and were able to shop at Rho’s Silent Auction to benefit their scholarship fund. February 10th and 11th was the Legislative Symposium held at the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville. Jean Bryan, Joann Bryant, Norma Aymett and Judith Eubank meet with our legislators to discuss education issues. The 2009 Xi State Convention was held June 4-6 at Sewanee, Tennessee. Fordie Franklin, with assistance from Cynthia Ripp, presented a workshop at the convention. Twelve Phi members attended.
December 7, 2009 we were saddened by the loss Avis Henderson. The 75th Xi State Convention at Sewanee was held June 10-12. Twelve Phi Chapter members attended the convention: Diane Braswell, Wanda Santee, Carol Abernathy, Sherry Woods, Rosie Coleman, Frances Pinckley, Lynn Caruthers, Carole Ivey, Judy Voss, Marilyn Shaver, Barbara Jennings, and Cynthia Ripp. Carol Abernathy was president for the 2010 – 2012 Biennium. Phi Chapter hosted the Joint Christmas Brunch in 2012. Barbara Jennings led us in the planning and execution of a beautiful event. Carol attended both TNSO Conventions at Sewanee during her biennium. Phi Chapter was honored as a Gold Award recipient. During the 2012 – 2014 Biennium, Terri Mize was Phi President. During the September 8, 2012 meeting, Terri received her president’s pin. The Phi Chapter Initiation was held on October 25, 2012. Founder’s Day was held on May 13, 2012. Joanne Bryant received her 50-year pin at this meeting. The Membership Brunch was held at Terri Mize’s home on October 19, 2013. At the 2014 TNSO Convention, Terri received her 10 Year certificate. Phi Chapter was GOLD during Terri’s biennium. During the 2014 – 2016, Beth Johnson was Phi President. Phi Chapter hosted the Joint Christmas Brunch for the second time. The chapter also celebrated its 70th Birthday on Feb. 20, 2016. At TNSO Convention at Sewanee, Beth Johnson sang in the chorus. Cindy Young was Phi Chapter’s president during the 2016 – 2018 Biennium. Cindy’s focus was bringing in younger members while maintaining interest of the active members. The Legislative Committee stayed in contact with the legislators from the two counties concerning the Charter School Legislation. The Scholarship Fund for future teachers was changed to grants for new teachers to use in their classroom. There were silent auctions held before regular meetings to help raise money for these grants. In February, another fund raiser was held to help with these grants. This fund raiser was a painting class to create a beautiful picture of the state of Tennessee. We lost two active members during this biennium, Carolyn Jackson and Frances Pinckley Phi Chapter’s President for the 2018 – 2020 Biennium was Theresa Brown. In October, 2018 there were four initiates. Kaya Caruso, Emily Kirkpatrick and Charlene Russell were those who became members. Phi Chapter hosted the Joint Christmas Brunch in December at Coleman Methodist Church in Lawrenceburg. In October 2019, Phi Chapter member, Missy Locke, designed a DKG T-shirt for the chapter. The T-shirts were sold to members, as well as other chapters. Barbara Jennings received the Order of the Rose at TNSO Convention at Sewanee in May, 2019. Jennifer Hood was Phi Chapter President for the 2020 -2022 biennium. This was a big milestone for Phi Chapter. We became 75 years old. Due to COVID, we had to find an alternative way to reach our members. Phi Chapter used Zoom meetings to communicate. This biennium was a major challenge for us. Like our sisters before us, we have persevered and are coming back with our determination to be better than before. Carole Cheatwood was Phi Chapter President for the 2022-2024 biennium. Dec. 2022, Phi Chapter hosted the Joint Christmas Brunch in Lawrenceburg, with Belinda Juergens as the guest speaker. Phi member Cherie Plant played music as guest Rachael Horne sang. Members brought baked goods and crafts to sell at the Country Store, and raised $1,026.12. Phi chapter decorated for the President’s Banquet at the 2024 TNSO Convention. Marsha Brewer’s theme was “In harmony.” Projects: In 2023, Phi Chapter granted $1,220 for Early Educator Mini-Grants to 6 teachers from Lawrence and Giles Counties. Out of need, we started providing toiletry items to 3 local high schools. The Sunshine Sisters project began in 2023, where retired Phi members contact working Phi members to give them small gifts, and send cards or texts, as a way to encourage and uplift working members
Phi chapter had 4 semi-finalists to enter the TNSO Essay Contest in 2024. The Orientation Brunch was hosted at Carole Cheatwood’s house in October of 2022 and 2023. In 2023, 3 members completed the DKG Training Videos, and received red cords, and a certificate. Meeting Programs: Chapter members made Christmas ornaments both years, at a meeting. In 2023, Area Director Barbara Hinson visited and made Christmas ornaments with us. Several members (Charlene Russell and Cindy Young) spoke at a meeting about the UT Southern Grow Your Own Program, and Barbara Jennings spoke about the Foster Grandparents Program. Carole Cheatwood and Kay Qualls attended the TNSO Advanced Leadership Training at Montgomery Bell State Park in March 2023. The required reading was “The Art of Possibility’ by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. Chapter Rules were amended in 2023 and submitted in 2024. Membership: In 2023, Phi chapter added 4 new members, with Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan as the guest speaker. In 2024, Phi chapter added 4 more members, with Marsha Brewer as the guest speaker. Awards: 2023 and 2024 Gold Maycie Award, 2023 Membership Education Award, 2023 and 2024 Certificate of Appreciation for Silent Auction and Visual Arts Display, 2023 Honorable Mention for the Marketing Award, 2023 and 2024 Connection Award, 2023 Communications Award Honor, 2024 Communication Award Highest Honors, 2023 Recognizing a Legacy of Leaders Award for 78 years of Phi Chapter.