Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. honors long-time members during 113 Founders Day Observance
By Cheryl Smith
Texas Metro News
https://texasmetronews.com
When members of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. gather at the Dallas Sheraton Hotel on Saturday, January 31, 2026, for the organization’s Frederica Chase Dodd Founders Day Luncheon, not only will one of the most influential women in the country be speaking, but they will honor several trailblazers, including two international leaders and some past presidents of the chapter.
Shavon Arline-Bradley, the current CEO of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), will bring a message she said will be guided by her faith, as a member of Delta Sigma Theta, which was founded on Christian principles.
Elsie Cooke-Holmes is the immediate Past International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Sharon Beard served as International President of the Top Ladies of Distinction.
Cooke-Holmes will be joined by 13 other members who are celebrating 50 years in the sorority, and Beard joins 23 who are celebrating 25 years, including the current chapter president, Eureka Drayden.
The luncheon is named in honor of one of the 22 Founders, Dodd who was born in Dallas and returned home to teach after graduating from Howard University, where the sorority was founded on January 13, 1913.
During her tenure, Cooke-Holmes, who resides in the Metroplex, elevated the public service organization to new heights as she led members in efforts to address unfair and repressive voter laws, even serving as a co-plaintiff in the lawsuit filed in Texas.
She traveled the country and abroad, committed to amplifying a legacy shrouded in social action, empowering women, and giving a voice to the voiceless. In an NPR interview, she said, “We look to empower communities. We look to elevate the impact of the work that we do so that our communities can be better.”
Cooke-Holmes had several highlights during her term, which included honorary membership classes with inductees Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; former BET executive Debra Lee; then MSNBC President Rashida Jones; multi-talented Hip Hop legend, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and actress Queen Latifah; political analyst/commentator Donna Brazile; and Olympiad Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
She was in the nation’s capital with thousands of members making an impact not only because they were dressed in the sorority color, red, but because they were discussing issues important to the masses, like voting rights and issues in support of women and families.
Whether she was at the HBCU Championship game, a chapter’s Founders Day event, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation programs, or traveling internationally to share a message of social action, love, collaboration, and empowerment.
Then too, Cooke-Holmes discussed those not-so-popular issues as she denounced hazing, attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and expressed support for the Black Press, and educating communities on the significance of the women’s suffrage movement that the founders participated in during the organization’s infancy.
A native of Jackson, TN, Cooke-Holmes became a member of the sorority while at the University of Memphis.
Her journey to the presidency of the organization began while she was a student, when she was elected National Second Vice President. She has the distinction of being the first in that position to ascend to International President, after amassing an impressive portfolio of service not only in Delta but as an executive in corporate America.
Cooke-Holmes calls Plano home, and among her many honors, last year she was feted with Elsie Cooke-Holmes Day by the Mayor and City Council members, and she received recognition as a Texas Metro News Superb Woman. Recognizing the importance of her efforts in Texas, proclamations, recognitions, and resolutions were presented by Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, State Sen. Royce West, State Representatives Rhetta Bowers and Toni Rose, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown, and DeSoto Mayor Rachel Proctor.
Speaker Arline-Bradley, never one to shy away from addressing issues, started 2026 off by encouraging the faith community to “stand up for justice, voting, and human rights.”Speaking to the National Cathedral, and covered by the Afro Newspapers, she asked the important question, “Will the church just spectate or will we participate?”
Cheryl Smith is an NABJ Hall of Fame Journalist from Florida A&M University. She is also a 48-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and 44-year member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter.
The NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the founder of Bethune-Cookman University. The history on its website cites more than 350 campus and community-based sections and 37 national women’s organizations, with several sections in Texas. An ordained minister and member of Delta Sigma Theta, she is no stranger to the D/FW Metroplex or rooms where those critical conversations are held about bettering conditions for the disenfranchised. Rev. Arline-Bradley is a highly sought-after speaker and participant in critical discussions, like Dr. Bethune.
Founded in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. The sorority has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, Canada, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, West Africa, Southern Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea.
In 1924, the chartering of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was a milestone that forever changed the landscape of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social impact in the region. This historic chapter was organized by Frederica Chase Dodd, one of the 22 Founders of the Sorority, who also served as its inaugural president. Her visionary leadership laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to inspire generations. (Dallas Alumnae Website).
Saluting the Dallas Alumnae Chapter’s 50-year Honorees
DERALYN BERRY
Initiated Spring 1976 at Dallas Alumnae – Diamond Life Member
Received Bachelor of Science in Biology (Prairie View A&M University) and Masters Degree in Biology (SMU)
Retired Educator
Member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church – Dallas
Community Involvement includes Seniors Adult Ministry- St John Church, Girl Scouts, Women of Courage-Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Widows Ministry, Bible Study Fellowship, Bible Study, Church Children’s Ministry, Harmony Ministries for Haiti, Prison Ministry
Environmental Garden established at Kimball High School in my honor
Hobbies include gardening, traveling, watching old movies and television shows,
bowling, spending time with my grandkids, visiting with Seniors, and hanging out with my sisters
JACQUELYN BURNS-TORRANCE
Initiated Spring 1976 at Dallas Alumnae
Received Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern Methodist University (SMU),
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (SMU) and Master of Educational Research
(Western Michigan University)
Retired Principle Education Analyst – Research and Evaluation
Member of St. Paul United Methodist Church
Community Involvement includes National Council of Negro Women Life/Legacy member,
Bible Study Fellowship International and Texas State Federation of Teachers
Hobbies include reading, cursive/calligraphy writing and minding my own business
KAREN COLLINS
Initiated Spring 1976 Zeta Eta Chapter, University of North Texas (formerly North Texas
State University)
Received Bachelor of Science in Education (University of North Texas and Master of
Science Counseling (Prairie View A&M University)
Professional Educator
Member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Community Involvement include donating clothes to students at my old high school
Chapter Committee involvement includes GEMS 2018-2023
Hobbies include dancing, reading, traveling, and shopping
ELSIE COOKE-HOLMES
Initiated Spring 1976 Epsilon Kappa Chapter University of Memphis (formally Memphis State University)
Golden Life Member
Received Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and MBA (Columbia University)
Human Resources Consultant
Member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church
Community Involvement includes Member, Delta Research and Educational Foundation(DREF) Board of Directors; Member, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Board of Directors; Life Member, NAACP; Life Member and Charter Member, North Dallas/Denton County Section, NCNW; Plano North Metroplex Chapter of Links, Inc.; former member of the following – D4 Women in Action Board of Directors; NCNW National Board of Directors; Ascend Board of Directors; Werthing Foundation Board of Directors, Most Memorable Delta Moment: Being pinned by my mother, Soror Anna L. Cooke; election as National Second Vice President; and election as International President.
MARJORIE CRAFT
Initiated Spring 1976 at Dallas Alumnae – Golden Life Member
Received B.S in Food and Nutrition (University of North Texas) and M.S. in Institution
Management (Texas Woman’s University
Food Services and Nutrition Management
Member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church
Community Involvement includes board member of: Zale/Lipshy Hospital, UT Health System,
Dallas Museum Art (Trustee), Salvation Army (Advisory Board), DeSoto Chamber
of Commerce, and Thorntree Estates HOA
Honors – Governor’s appointment to the Regent University of NorthTexas System,
Outstanding Alumni (UNT), International Food Manufacturers Association “Operator of the Year” Silver Plate Award, African American Education History and Archives Program Trailblazer, Women in Food Service Pacesetter
PATTIE DOTSY
Initiated Spring 1976 Zeta Eta Chapter, University of North Texas
Received Bachelor of Applied Arts in Behavioral Studies
Retired Law Enforcement
Member of Allen Chapel Baptist Church
Community Involvement includes Dallas County Peace Officers Association and National
Black Police Association
Chapter Committee Involvement includes Delta Gems
Hobbies include reading, gardening, and traveling
Family: husband Charles Dotsy, children: Caylon Dotsy, Cassie Dotsy Norman Cherenda
Dotsy Jones, , and Coffy Dotsy; fifteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren
VYLLORYA EVANS
Initiated Spring 1976 at Dallas Alumnae – Golden Life Member
Received Bachelor of Science in Humanities from Mississippi University for Women
Retired Federal Civil Servant
Member of Westminster Presbyterian Church – Washington D.C.
Community Involvement includes establishing Southwest Renaissance Development
Corporation at Westminster Presbyterian Church which annually awards post-secondary
scholarships to inner city students
Chapter Committee Involvement includes Arts and Letters, Heritage and Archives, Delta
Dears, Jabberwock, Social (Toy Dance) and Project Cherish
Honors include recipient of The Merit Award presented by the Mississippi Historical
Society; Founder’s Award from The African American Museum, Dallas, TX and 2015
Founder’s Award from The Heads Up Foundation
CYNTHIA FULLER
Initiated Fall 1975 at Gamma Gamma Chapter Philander Smith University
Golden Life Member
Received Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Liability Insurance Specialist
Member of First Christian Methodist Church
Community Involvement includes serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Facilitator, Christian Women of the Church Bible Study Facilitator, Chairperson of Community Outreach, Youth Sponsor, and various other ministry teams or committees over the years, booster club’s member for daughter’s school
Chapter Committee Involvement includes past Treasurer, past Chair of Audit, TASPERs, Jabberwock, Social, Delta Academy, Program Planning and Development, Budget and Finance, Physical and Mental Health, Membership, and Social Action
Hobbies reading and traveling (having been to several countries and about 35 states)
VICKI HICKS
Initiated Spring 1976 at Nu Iota Chapter Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Received Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Black History
Retired AT & T District Manager and Tax Business Professional
Community Involvement includes Ladies Professional Golf Association (Amateur Ft. Worth
Chapter); Par Birdie Golf Association; Cedar Crest Golf Association Scholarship Committee Member; Thorntree Ladies Golf Association; Western States Golf Association Scholarship Committee; Masters Golf Association Scholarship Committee
Honors include assisting with the selection of a new University President, Football Coach, Basketball Coach at SMU, implementing Title IX, which integrated NCAA Highest Level Women’s athletics; establishing a Black History Department
MURIEL JOHNSON-REDD
Initiated Spring 1976 at Nu Iota Chapter at Southern Methodist University
Received Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communications
Librarian Media Specialist
Member of St. Paul United Methodist Church
Community Involvement includes Actress for Arts Inspiration Inc., patron with New Spain Orchestra, public announcer for “Together We Ball” annual community basketball game, DISD public address announcer for high school football and basketball games, member of Dallas Association of School Librarian Book Club and Texas Library Association
Honors include honor graduate at Texas Woman’s University Masters of Library Science, honor graduate at Concordia University Masters of Education, and member of Phi Lambda Theta National Honor Society
CHERYL KIDD
Initiated Spring 1976 at Dallas Alumnae – Golden Life
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Fisk University) and Masters of Physical Health (University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston)
Grants & Contracts Specialist
Member of New Hope Baptist Church
Chapter Committee Involvement includes previously serving as: Founders Day Chair, Social Committee Chair, Financial Secretary, Audit Committee member, 100th Anniversary
Committee – Chaired Exhibit Committee, Membership, Minerva Circle, 1985 National Convention Planning Committee, Jabberwock Committee Chair, May Week
Honors include MLK Community Center Award, Harambee 2001; Harold P. Freeman
Award for Community Service, American Cancer Society, 1999; Clarice’s Hometown
Heroes, 1999; Ambassador Award, Parkland Health & Hospital System, 1998; Caring
Spirit Award for Volunteerism, American Cancer Society, 1997
HATTYE MOSLEY
Initiated Spring 1976 at Dallas Alumnae
Received B.A. (Bishop College) and Masters of Education (University of North Texas
Member of Cedar Crest Cathedral Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Retired Elementary School Teacher
Chapter Committee – President of Nine the Second Time (Spring 1976); Arts and Letters; Delta Dears; Delta Mothers and Friends; Founders Day; Heritage and Archives; Jabberwock; May Week; Membership; Delta Toy Dance; Rituals; and Social Action.
Honors include Teacher of the Year at Albert Sidney Johnston Elementary School; South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club Inc. Volunteer Service Award and Valentines Day Queen at The Villages of Dallas 2024.
VIVIAN TAYLOR
Initiated Spring 1976 Zeta Eta Chapter, University of North Texas
Received B.A. in Elementary Education and M.A. in Special Education/Diagnostician
Educator/Principal
Member of St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church
Honors include Founding Principal of the first public All Girls School in the State of Texas: DISD’s lrma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, National Blue Ribbon School Award Recipient (2001) Dealey Montessori, National Blue Ribbon School Award Recipient (2011) Irma Rangel, SMU 43rd Women’s Symposium “Women In Leadership” Recipient, Dallas ISD Principal of the Year Nominee, and Dallas ISD Superintendent’s Administrative Leadership Award Recipient
LILLIE TURNER
Initiated at Kappa Mu Chapter at Sam Houston State University – Diamond Life Member
Received Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science
Insurance Broker
Member of Community Missionary Baptist Church
Community Involvement includes providing senior citizens with information regarding services available to them, established scholarship endowment for college students attending Blinn College, President of the Freeman High Alumni Association, mentoring inner city youth, and participating in The Night Before Christmas Story and Neighborhood Caroling
Chapter Committee Involvement includes Jabberwock, Scholarship, Delta Dears and Membership Services
Honors include Life Member of Junior Black Academy and being inducted into the Blinn College Hall of Honor
VENESSA WARNOCK
Initiated at Theta Lambda Chapter at Emporia State University
Received Bachelor of Science in Psychology with concentration in Special Education and Masters in School Counseling
Teacher/Counselor
Member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church
Chapter Committee Involvement includes Delta Dears Chair, Scholarship and Education Support and EMBODI
Honor includes Teacher of the Year for Hulcy Middle School and Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce Golden Oak Award
Hobbies include sewing, quilting, cycling, and gardening
