Our Legacy

The Central North Alabama Alumnae Chapter (formerly known as the Athens-Decatur (Alabama) Alumnae Chapter) was born from the vision and determination of a group of dynamic Delta women across Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties. United by a shared commitment to sisterhood and service, they envisioned a chapter that would meet the unique needs of North Alabama communities—and worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life.

Among the pioneering women who led the charge were:

Dora Davidson Ashford, Sara B. King, Neva Johnson Bright, Katie Winston Byrd, Deloris Crook Brown*, Mary Sanford Brown, Barbara A. Davis, Theresa Powers DeShields, Annie Lewis Dickerson, Carmelita Stennis Gandy, Joyce Calhoun Glover, Shara Glover, Pearl Echols Jackson Green, Angela Cunningham Griffin, Nancy Mitchell Harkey, Frances Jones Harris*, Sandra Newteria Harris, Hedy Smith Ibezim*, Leona Grace Leonard, Sheila Warren Lightfoot, Cynthia Nash McCollum, Ethelda Mason Malone*, Martha McLin Malone, Julia Priest Kitt Owens*, Gwendolyn Lightford Posey*, Nancy Palmer Rooks, Gladys Dobbins Smith*, and Sharon Malone Waddle.**

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On April 29, 1999, their efforts culminated in the official chartering of the chapter at Village View United Methodist Church in Athens, Alabama.

Charter Members

Dora Davidson Ashford*

Cheryl Annette Bowman

Roberta Matthews Cowans

Pearl Echols Jackson Green

Gloria Lynn Ratliff-Herring

Sheila Warren Lightfoot

Ethelda Mason Malone*

Martha McLin

Claudette Carmichael Owens

Julia Priest Kitt Owens*

Tonjalyn Buchanan Owens

Kesha Ni-Kel Pointer

Notosha Maria Poole

Gladys Dobbins Smith*

Sharon Malone Waddle

Ollye Marie Fuller Ward*

Opal Michelle Tapscott Washington

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Past Presidents

Mrs. Pearl Green (1999–2001)

Dr. Mary S. Brown (2001–2003)

Dr. Katie W. Byrd (2003–2007)

Mrs. Frances Harris* (2007–2011)

Ms. Regina Jamar Burden (2011–2013)

Dr. Edwinta Merriwether (2013–2017)

Mrs. Judise Lanier Owens (2017–2021)

Mrs. Terry Green (2021–2025)

Mrs. Glenda Reynolds (2025–Present)

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Our Chapter Today

Today, the Central North Alabama Alumnae Chapter is proud to be a thriving, engaged chapter of 114 members serving the communities of Lawrence, Limestone, and Morgan counties. Our members include career professionals in education, government, business, and healthcare—as well as retirees who continue to lead and serve with passion and purpose.

Together, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the mission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated—serving our communities through sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action.

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*Asterisk denotes deceased members.