In Memoriam
Remembering Past Fraternity President Jeanne Johnston Phillips, Southern Methodist It is with great sadness that Tri Delta shares the loss of a beloved sister, leader and past Fraternity President, Jeanne Johnston Phillips, Southern Methodist, on Sept. 25. Jeanne was initiated into Theta Kappa Chapter in 1942. During her time at SMU, she was very involved in Tri Delta and campus organizations. She was rush chair (now called vice president of membership experience) during her sophomore year and became collegiate chapter president her senior year. Her campus involvement included treasurer of the freshman class, president of the geography club, Panhellenic delegate, and a member of Phi Lambda Theta and Kappa Delta Pi. Jeanne’s love for school and SMU never ended even after graduating in 1945 with a Bachelor of Arts in geography. She went on to receive a master’s in geography in 1953. She also taught geography at SMU and was chairman of SMU Sororities Council. After graduating, Jeanne’s involvement with Tri Delta grew even more. Her volunteer roles included scholarship advisor and alumna advisor for Theta Kappa Chapter, district president (now called collegiate district officer) for five chapters in Texas and national program chair for pledge trainers (now called directors of first year experience). She also served the Fraternity as an associate director from 1970 to 1972. She joined the Executive Board in 1972 and continued to serve on the Board until 1980. During this time, she was elected Collegiate Vice President 1972-1976, and served as Fraternity President 1976-1980. Jeanne also served as a member of the Fraternity Council 1970-1984 and became chair of the council in 1980 until 1984. During the same period, she was also chair of the Nominating Committee (now called Leadership Development Committee). Other volunteer roles included a member of the Foundation Crescent Fund Committee 1982-1988, a
www.tridelta.org Photo at right, Kent Barker
member of the Century Fund, a member of Theta Kappa Chapter House Corporation Board and president of the Dallas Alumnae evening group. Jeanne enjoyed music ministry for many years. She was an organist for a small church and played piano for Presbyterian Rehab Center, numerous nursing homes and Women in Bible. The Senior Sunday School class at Park Cities Presbyterian in Dallas, Texas, enjoyed her music every Sunday. She was also a member of The Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a member of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. We are so grateful for her lifetime membership, and Jeanne’s loyalty and devotion to our Purpose will continue to live on in Tri Delta. For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Jeanne Johnston Phillips and in honor of her dedicated service to Tri Delta, please visit give.tridelta.org.
Fall 2021 The Trident 57
