KEO Chapter Charter Members. Front row from left to right: Laverne P. Shiver Carter, Brenda Lane Smith, Patricia Rayford, Betty Joe Watson Williams; Back row from left to right: Gladys Turner Lee, Jacqueline Harper, Gene Hopkins Chandler, Joyce Person Williams

VALDOSTA — Kappa Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. celebrated 40 years of sisterhood and service to the South Georgia/North Florida area at a banquet held at the Rainwater Conference Center on the 27th of September.

During this event, several groups of the sorority’s members were recognized for their role in the chapter’s growth and perpetuity: the 15 charter members, the first group to be initiated into the chapter, and women who served as president.

The chapter is composed of college-educated women who serve others by meeting program goals established by its membership, thereby helping to maintain perpetuity of the sorority. Since its charter was established in June 1974, Kappa Eta Omega has grown to about 125 talented Alpha Kappa Alpha women who excel as educators, business women, and community leaders. Carla D. Williams envisioned this celebration, and Creacy Sermons and Carolyn Burgess served as the celebration committee chairpersons.

Approximately 300 members and their guests enjoyed a program replete with activities directed by Rico Bell Tucker, Mistress of Ceremony.  Once the charter members walked the Pink Carpet and were seated, candles were lit in commemoration of deceased charter members by Sandra Monlyn, Nadine Boone and members of the deceased charter members families.

A welcome was given by Wyonnie Hardee, invocation by Deborah Demps (Vice-President and President-elect), and grace by Alice Williams. Tiffany Vinson gave a historical overview of the chapter and Taurence Phillips serenaded the group. The Madison County Boys Choir and Friends, under the direction of Desmond Monlyn, did a musical tribute that took the crowd back to the 1970s and their humble beginnings. Kappa Upsilon Chapter (Valdosta State University) saluted the graduate chapter for supporting them and gave a creative tribute.

Mayor ProTem, City Councilman Alvin Payton, District 4 read a proclamation from the City of Valdosta and Mayor John Gayle declaring the day “Kappa Eta Omega Day in Valdosta.”  Congratulatory remarks were given by representatives from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Chi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Council of Negro Women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Kappa Upsilon Chapter, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as well as Georgia House of Representative Member, Dexter Sharper, District 177.

Door Prizes were given throughout the evening. Kappa Eta Omega enjoyed the support of the community and acknowledged the following local businesses for gifts: Mama Junes Restaurant, South Georgia Pecan Co, Brian Sumner State Farm Insurance Co., Applebee’s and Zaxby’s on Inner Perimeter Road, and the St. Augustine road Chick-Fil-A.

Charter members in attendance Laverne P. Carter, Brenda L. Smith, Patricia Rayford, Alice Williams, Gladys T. Lee, Jacqueline Harper, Gene Chandler, and Joyce Williams were gifted with pearl bracelets with gold KEO charms by the chapter president and member, Regina Stone.  The first initiates also received gifts.

After a meal prepared by the Conference Center staff and strawberry and key lime cakes prepared by Sherry Matchett were eaten, the celebration continued. The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority burst out in song. “Twenty pearls, twenty pearls, I’ve got my pearls” while gathering in the center of the room. Afterwards they sang the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Hymn.

Remarks were given by the Betty Williams, Kappa Eta Omega Chapter’s first president and the group’s current leader, Carla Williams.  When the announcer called, “Let the Celebration Begin,” Nicholas Harden (Big Nick) kept the music going.  

Some danced the night away while other prepared for church together at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church the following day.  All agreed the weekend’s celebration was a memorable one and look forward to more years of sisterhood and service in the area.