The Epsilon Zeta Zeta and Beta Beta Chapters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. will host the 26th annual Finer Womanhood Banquet, “Recognizing Dedicated Service to Education,” at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Pine Bluff Convention Center Banquet Hall.
The event will honor 12 retired educators from Pine Bluff and surrounding communities who together have devoted a total of 361 years to the field of education.
Banquet tickets may be purchased by contacting Lula Gray at 535-5680.
The 2015 honorees are the Rev. George H. Barnes Sr., who retired from the Pine Bluff School District after 10 years of service; Brenda Joyce Barnes, who retired after 40 years with the Dollarway School District; Susan Riley Bitely, who retired after 29 years with the Pine Bluff School District; Donna S. Coker, who retired after 33 1/2 years with the White Hall School District; Billie Jean Conway Dorn, who retired after 37 1/2 years with the Pine Bluff School District; Mattie Marie Glover, who retired after 31 years with the Pine Bluff School District; Barbara A. Grayson, who retired after 43 years with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; James A. Horton, who retired after 37 years with the Pine Bluff School District; the Rev. Ronald S. Laurent, who retired after 18 years with the Pine Bluff School District; the Rev. LaNell Franklin Ross, who retired after 29 years with UAPB; Brenda Sharpmack, who retired after 29 1/2 years with the Watson Chapel School District and Jewell Mitchell Walker, who retired after 25 years with UAPB.
Since the inception of this event in 1989 more than 800 retired educators have been recognized. The first banquet took place at the L.A. Davis Student Center at UAPB. The idea to recognize educators for their years of service was conceived by former South Central Regional Director of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Sharon Fletcher.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The sorority believes that education is a strong value and truly the key to success in life.
Members of the Finer Womanhood Committee are Anthonette Akins, Bobbie Bridges, Sharon Fletcher, Lula Gray, Florentine Humphrey, Geneva Thomas and Ruby Young.
Shayla Evans-Lee is the president of the Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter and Naocea Evans is the president of the Beta Beta Chapter. Mary Breaux Wright is the International Grand Basileus.