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had two brothers, Har-
rington and Harry. Soror
Watson attended the his-
toric Sumner School in
Parkersburg. The Sumner
School, established during
the Civil War, was the
first school for free Black
children below the
Mason-Dixon Line.
She graduated from
the Sumner School in
1905 and at the urging
of her principal, en-
tered Howard Univer-
sity as a freshman.
Attending Howard
University was a great
financial burden on
Soror Watson. With-
out her brother’s help
with tuition costs and oth-
er expenses, she would
not have been able to
complete her college edu-
cation. As a student at
Howard University, Soror
Watson was a member of
the College Classical
Club and treasurer of the
Literary and Social Club,
an organization that many
of the other Founders of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorori-
ty belonged to as well.
The Founders of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority par-
ticipated in the historic
Dear Sorors of West Vir-
ginia,
As you all know, one of
our beloved Founders,
Ethel Carr Watson, was
born and raised right here
in West Virginia. It has
been a passion of mine
to learn all that I can
about her life. I began
my journey with a
pilgrimage to
Parkersburg in the
summer of 2012
where I met with sev-
eral of Soror Watson’s
former students who
gave me insight on
Ms. Carr, the teacher.
I also had the opportunity
to speak to Soror Wat-
son’s niece, Lillian Carr
Hayden who shared many
stories with me about
Aunt Ethel. Delta Sigma
Theta had no information
on when Soror Watson
died or where she was
buried. With the help of
Soror Barbara Cary of
Charleston-Institute Chap-
ter, I was not only able to
find out when and where
Soror Watson died, but
we were also able to lo-
cate her grave. Soror
Jackee Bryant who lives
in Connecticut, but is
originally from West Vir-
ginia, traveled to New
Willimantic Cemetery to
find Soror Watson’s un-
marked grave at my and
Soror Cary’s request.
Sorors, this has been a
labor of love. I could not
have done it without the
help of my WV Sorors. I
have shared all that I have
learned with the National
Heritage and Archives
Committee.
Sisterly,
Carla Hunter
WV State Coordinator
Ethel Alice Carr Watson
was born August 4, 1891
in Parkersburg, West Vir-
ginia. She was the only
daughter of Isaac and
Elizabeth Carr. She also
Centennial Tribute to WV Founder Soror Ethel Carr Watson
WV Delta Connection
The faculty of Sumner School in
Parkersburg, WV
Inside this
issue:
Yvonne Jones,
State Chaplain
3
Beckley News 4
Bluefield News 4
Charleston-
Institute New
4
Eastern Panhandle
News
5
Greater-
Morgantown News
5
Huntington News 6
Collegiate News 6
In Memory 7
June 30,2013 Volume II, Issue 1
WV State Coordina-
tor’s special tribute
to Founder Ethel Carr
Watson
Special Year-end edi-
tion highlighting
events during the
2012-2013 sorority
year.
Women’s Suffrage March of
1913 at the invitation of
Mary Church Terrell. Soror
Watson later confided that
her family did not want her
to participate, but she was
forced to defy them because
she had been selected to
carry the banner because
she was the tallest. Soror
Watson graduated Magna
Cum Laude from Howard
University in 1913.
Eventually, Soror Watson
made her way back to
Parkersburg to teach at her
alma mater, the Sumner
School, during the 1930’s.
She taught both fifth and
sixth grades. In addition to
her regular curriculum
which included teaching
Shakespeare and Chaucer,
she taught acrobatics/
gymnastics, art, penman-
ship, and dance, classical
ballet and tap. Her former
students remember her fond-
ly. As they reminisced about
her, they shared that she
started class each day with
the Pledge of Allegiance and
Scripture memorization.
Frances Davis stated that
she was a strict disciplinari-
an, telling students, “I will
come to you like a steam-
boat.”
During her tenure at
Sumner, Soror Watson coor-
dinated and choreographed
several productions at the
Historic Smoot Theatre in
Parkersburg. She handled
every detail o f these pro-
ductions including designing
and sewing the costumes.
Former student, Gloria
Stanford, stated that the arts
were her forte and that she
was truly gifted in this area.
Another former student,
Regis Jones, said that Soror
Watson had a gift for getting
you to do things that you
never thought that you were
capable of doing.
After a long successful ca-
reer in education, Soror
Watson retired and began a
second career as a dramatic
performer. One of her most
renowned performances was
“She Stoops to Conquer” at
the Smoot Theatre in her
hometown. When recalling
her performance, Soror Wat-
son said, “I have been the
only colored who has ever
given a performance at the
Smoot Theatre for Warner
Brothers in Parkersburg,
West Virginia.”
Soror Watson married Ralph
Edward Watson of Williman-
tic, Connecticut July 11,
1938. They later divorced.
She died May 1, 1960 in
Willimantic, Connecticut.
She is buried at the New
Willimantic Cemetery. Soror
Watson had no children.
Story continued from page 1
Page 2 WV Delta Connection
Soror Ethel Carr
Watson
“I have been the only
colored who has ever
given a performance at
the Smoot Theatre for
Warner Brothers in
Parkersburg, West
Virginia.”
Soror Jackee Bryant at Soror Watson’s unmarked grave in
Connecticut
Musical Review held in 1933 produced by Soror Watson
One hundred years ago 22
brilliant African American
women had the foresight to
start a sorority based upon
public service. Another way
of looking at it is they start-
ed a sorority to help make
the life better for others,
particularly African Ameri-
cans. Down through the
years members of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
have completed literally
thousands of projects that
benefit others through the
Five Point Program Thrust.
On the local level these pro-
jects range from feeding the
homeless to providing
scholarships to help deserv-
ing students afford a higher
education. On the interna-
tional level our beloved so-
rority established a materni-
ty hospital in Kenya. I could
go on and on about the in-
valuable projects that have
resulted from the foresight
of these 22 young women.
Their vision has resulted in
an organization of over
200,000 college educated
women in 900 chapters.
This just briefly describes
the accomplishments of the
first 100 years of Delta Sig-
ma Theta Sorority, Inc.
What about the next 100
years?
Matthew 32:35-40 King
James Version states: “ ‘For
I was hungered, and ye gave
me meat: I was thirsty, and
ye gave me drink: I was a
stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I
was sick, and ye visited me:
I was in prison, and ye came
unto me.’ Then shall the
righteous answer him, say-
ing, ‘Lord, when saw we
thee an hungered, and fed
thee? Or thirsty, and gave
thee drink? When saw we
thee a stranger, and took
thee in? or naked, and
clothed thee? Or when saw
we thee sick or in prison,
and came unto the?’ And
the King shall say unto you, ‘
Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of
these my brethren, ye have
done it unto me.’ “
I cannot help but think our
founders had this verse in
mind when they founded a
sorority based upon Chris-
tian principles. They regard-
ed the work they were do-
ing for others as work they
were doing for Jesus. As
we, as individual members
of Delta Sigma Theta Sorori-
ty, Inc., move into this next
century of sisterhood we
need to keep this verse in
mind. We want to create a
lasting legacy through the
work that we do. Only what
we do for Christ will last. As
we plan projects let us re-
member that when we help
those who are less fortu-
nate we are also helping
Jesus. I pray that the next
100 years is more glorious
than the first 100 years!
“The Next 100 Years” by Yvonne Jones, WV State Chaplain
Page 3 Volume II, Issue 1
“Down through
the years
members of Delta
Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc.
have completed
literally
thousands of
projects that
benefit others”
The Beckley Alumnae
Chapter actively at-
tempted to transform the
lives and make an impact
on the citizens of Beck-
ley, during the 2012-
2013 sorority year. Mem-
bers began the sorority
year by visiting the
Beckley City Council on
their 3rd
Delta Day at
the City Council. Soror
Roslyn Artis, Social
Action Chair, informed
the council members and
local citizens of the
chapter’s priorities for
the city. These priori-
ties included addressing
the education system,
school violence, domes-
tic violence, and drugs
within the community.
Chapter members were
introduced and volun-
teered to assist in any
initiative designed to
improve the community.
Chapter members along
with family members and
friends gathered to view
the Presidential De-
bates. To raise aware-
ness of domestic vio-
lence, a candle light
vigil was held. The
chapter partnered with
the Women’s Resource
Center and the event was
attended by over 100
people. The chapter also
partnered with the Beck-
ley Area Women in Christ
Fall Conference; a fi-
nancial workshop was
held featuring Tony
Mazelou, a financial
consultant offering tips
on financial planning
and retirement plans.
Other service activities
for the year included
first aid and CPR train-
ing as well as partici-
pating in Project 13 to
partner with AARP, March
of Dimes and the Ameri-
can Diabetes Associa-
tion.
control and manage dia-
betes.
Members of the chapter
were encouraged to join
the NAACP as well as the
League of Women Voters.
WV State Leadership team
welcomes Soror Eva Jones
as she was elected pres-
ident of the Charleston-
Institute Alumnae chap-
ter for the upcoming
sorority year. The mem-
bers also elected Soror
In order to instruct
young men on proper din-
ing etiquette as well as
celebrate their success-
es; the Charleston-
Institute Alumnae Chap-
ter held their annual
year end banquet for
their EMBODI program
participants.
Two glucose screening
were held in order to
increase diabetes aware-
ness and to encourage
participants on ways to
Terri Berkley to serve
as Vice-President.
Beckley Alumnae Chapter
Charleston-Institute Alumnae Chapter
sen for this position;
Soror Smith is the first
African American woman
to hold this office. In
a statement to the Blue-
field Daily Telegraph;
Soror Smith stated “I
was elated that I was
chosen by the members of
the newly-elected
board,” It was clear to
me that it wasn’t some-
thing that the group was
required to do, so I was
pleased to be select-
ed,”
Bluefield Alumnae Chapter
On June 4, 2013, Soror
Barbra Smith was elected
to the Bluefield City
Council. Soror Smith,
who delayed her politi-
cal aspirations while
she worked as an educa-
tor in McDowell County,
was elected to serve in
District 1.
A historical moment was
reached when the board-
elect unanimously chose
Soror Smith as Vice-
Mayor for the city of
Bluefield. By being cho-
Page 4 WV Delta Connection
“I was elated that
I was chosen by the
members of the
newly-elected
board,” Smith said.
“It was clear to me
that it wasn’t
something that the
group was required
to do, so I was
pleased to be
selected,”
The ladies of Eastern
Panhandle Alumnae Chap-
ter were geared up and
ready to work this So-
rority year. The first
program initiative of
the EPAC’s year will
took place in October
for Domestic Violence
Awareness Month. EPAC
designed and distributed
educational literature
to parents during spon-
sored Fall/Halloween
activities for children
around the community
during the month of Oc-
tober. The information-
al flyers informed the
adult public about do-
mestic violence and sex-
ual violence in West
Virginia.
On February 23rd
sorors
from all across the four
-state area: West Vir-
ginia, Maryland, Virgin-
ia and Pennsylvania at-
tended EPAS’s Founders
Day Celebration. This
event commemorated 100
years of sisterhood,
scholarship and service
across the world.
"We were founded by 22
undergraduate students
who were ready to speak
out for social justice
during their time and
we've continued that
legacy of speaking out
for social justice dur-
ing our time as well,"
says Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd,
the 22nd Past National
President of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc. and
the keynote speaker for
the EPAC Founders Day
celebration. "They were
women who were academi-
cally on the top of
their game and we con-
tinue to promote academ-
ic excellence even 100
years later," Boyd adds.
"We are so excited about
the Centennial and this
celebration of our
Founders Day here in the
Eastern Panhandle of
West Virginia. As a
young chapter (chartered
in 2007) we have done
some amazing things in
such a short time," says
Dr. Angela Oglesby,
President of the Eastern
Panhandle Alumnae Chap-
ter. "We have numerous
community service pro-
jects, such as mentoring
groups, Delta Gems, Del-
ta Academy, an annual
Jazz Brunch and Silent
Auction scholarship
event, March of Dimes
programs, Domestic Vio-
lence Initiatives,
healthily lifestyle pro-
grams, and many more. We
are excited to serve,”
adds Oglesby.
The Sorors of EPAC also
sponsored an afternoon
of fun for the community
at its second annual
Longaberger® Basket Bin-
go. The chapter will be
giving away dozens of
Longaberger® baskets and
Coach purses as prizes
for this big fundraising
event.
Academy program during
the upcoming sorority
year. New members were
inducted into the chap-
ter. As the new sorority
year approaches, the
chapter is preparing for
many new activities to
impact the city of Mor-
gantown.
The Greater Morgantown
Chapter held their first
membership intake wel-
coming new members since
being reactivated during
the 2011-2012 sorority
year. The chapter has
been involved in many
activities as well as
supporting Omicron Upsi-
lon on West Virginia
University’s campus. The
chapter is in the pro-
cess of organizing a
Delta GEMS and Delta
Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter
Greater Morgantown Alumnae Chapter
Page 5 Volume II, Issue 1
Minerva statue on
Howard University
campus
"We are so excited
about the
Centennial and
this celebration of
our Founders Day
here in the Eastern
Panhandle of West
Virginia. “
Upcoming Events for
2013-2014
● 10/26/2013: WV
Social Action Com-
mittee Poverty Simu-
lation WV State Uni-
versity Charleston,
WV
● 11/15-11/16/2013:
KY/WV/IN Cluster
Bowling Green, KY
● 3/15/2014: WV
Statewide Founders
Day Huntington, WV
The Huntington Alumnae
Chapter kicked off its
Fall 'Get Out the Vote'
Drive on October 1, 2012
with a bit of drama--
literally. The event
was highlighted by a
skit titled, "The Right
to Vote: Why it Mat-
ters!" The skit was
presented by the League
of Women Voters and was
a thought-provoking look
at the historical strug-
gle for the right to
vote, especially for
women and minorities.
Topics addressed includ-
ed: poll taxes, literacy
tests and current, na-
tional and state voter
suppression efforts.
The event was open to
the public, enjoyed en-
thusiastic attendance
and included an oppor-
tunity for attendees to
register to vote. The
chapter continued their
voting drive by sponsor-
ing voting booth demon-
strations; as well as
volunteering to make
telephone calls to en-
courage people to get
out and vote.
On February 1, 2013,
the chapter held their
annual “Go Red for Wom-
en” program. Over 85
women attended the event
where chapter member Dr.
Shawn McKinney was the
keynote
This is truly piece of
art with an introductory
price is $22.00.
The next item is a com-
memorative basket. The
baskets are 11x8.25x5.5.
These baskets are hand
Congratulations to So-
rors Angela Oglesby and
Carla Hunter for being
acknowledged as certi-
fied vendors for our
Sorority. Currently they
several items in their
Centennial Collection.
This article features
two items in their col-
lection. The first item
is a "Sisterhood Ball"
hand blown by WV glass
artisan Chip Turner. The
glass ball is etched
with our Greek letters
and the years 1913-2013.
woven and come with a
lifetime warranty. To
view more items; like
them on Facebook. For
more information or to
place an order please
contact: Angela Oglesby
or Carla Hunter at
Huntington Alumnae Chapter
Oh Divas
under served in Morgan-
town. The chapter was
also involved in campus
voter registration
drives, as well as en-
couraging students to be
tested for HIV .
New members were initi-
ated into Omicron Upsi-
lon as well as Theta
Omega Chapter at Marshal
University. We welcome
all the new sorors into
the sorority.
Congratulations go out
to all of the graduating
sorors of Alpha Delta,
Omicron Upsilon and The-
ta Omega and we anxious-
ly await your entrance
into an alumnae chapter
in your area.
Collegiate News
Congratulations go to
Omicron Upsilon on re-
ceiving West Virginia
University’s “ Sorority
of the Year Award” for
2012-2013. The chapter
was awarded for their
many acts of service and
programs during the
scholastic year . Some
of the events included
serving dinner to fami-
lies at the Barlett
House, having food and
clothing drives through-
out the year for the
Page 6 WV Delta Connection
Oh Diva Centennial Collec-
tion ball
On April 22, 2013, Soror
Norma Johnson of Insti-
tute, WV transitioned to
the Omega Omega Chapter
of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority. Soror Johns
was initiated in 1956
and remained active un-
til her passing. For all
of the members through-
out the state that we
blessed enough to be in
Soror Johnson’s pres-
ence; we will truly miss
seeing her smiling face
and vibrant spirit.
The Bluefield Alumnae
Chapter morns the loss
of Soror Fannie Simpson
Poole, 102, of Keystone,
West Virginia, who died
on Friday, April 26,
2013.
She was a lifetime mem-
ber of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. and the
oldest member in the
state of West Virginia.
In Loving Memory
Page 7 Volume II, Issue 1
The Dash
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on her tomb-
stone
from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of
her birth
and spoke of the following date with
tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth…
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard…
are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is
left.
That can still be rearranged
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile…
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy’s being read
with your life’s actions to rehash…
would you be proud of the things
they say
about how you spent your dash?
Coming June 19-22, 2014! The 46th Midwest Regional Conference-
Louisville, KY
Carla Hunter
State Coordinator
Parissa Rogers
State Facilitator
Marsha Lawson
State Journalist
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
A Public Service Sorority Founded
in 1913
Bluefield Alumnae Chapter
Vibrant and visible chapters impacting
the communities of West Virginia”