Sorors Who Soar

Honoring Our Pearl

When Zeta Xi Omega Pearl member, Soror Helena Thompson, became an Ivy Beyond the Wall in December 2022, the sadness did not stop with her family, chapter, or even her local community Soror Helena touched many lives during her years of service As Graduate Advisor for Zeta Eta, she was a mentor, teacher, rolemodel, sister, mother, and friend to numerous new initiates. Soror Helena lovingly shared lessons with the undergraduates, as she instilled the ideals and purposes of our great sorority Following her death, 22 Sorors from across the country, who were initiated into Zeta Eta between 1971 and 1980 when Soror Helena was Graduate Advisor, came together to honor her memory. In January 2023, a check for $1,100 was presented to Zeta Xi Omega on behalf of Soror Helena to be used for scholarships The scholarship will be awarded to a qualified graduating senior within our local community

Keith Elected to National Chairman of National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)

Soror Lois Keith, chaplain of Xi Beta Omega of Griffin, GA, has been elected as the Chairman of the Board of the National Council of NegroWomen(NCNW) SheisthefirstAlphaKappaAlphawomanto hold the top position of NCNW since Soror Vivian Carter Mason (1953-57)

Having held several leadership positions in the organization including National Vice President, Soror Keith has received many state and national awards for her service to NCNW and to its communities.ShewasthefirstrecipientoftheLoisKeithTrailblazer Award for Exemplary Community Service, an award named in her honor. Soror Keith received an Honorary Doctorate from The AmericanBibleUniversityandholdsleadershiprolesinseveralcivic, religious and educational organizations. A 50-year member of the MoveofGodChurchinAtlanta,GA,sheandherlatehusbandLonnie haveoneson,Darius.

Sorors

Still SOARing at 107 years old

At 107 years old, Soror Janie Ruth Crawford continues to soar through her civic dedication and service to all mankind. Soror Ruth is the oldest member of the Zeta Xi Omega chapter and, possibly, the South Atlantic Region. Since being initiated 40 years ago, Soror Ruth has remained a financially active member despite physical limitations preventing her from attending events. Recently, Soror Ruth exhibited her commitment to helping Georgians strive for excellence by participating in the state’s highly contentious U.S. Senate election. Although bound to a wheelchair, she insisted on being transported to the polling site to cast her vote. A graduate of HBCU Paine College, Soror Janie is no stranger to leadership. She is a longtime educator who created the “Shiloh Community Center” in Augusta, Georgia. Soror Ruth is the epitome of serving and soaring by merit and by culture.