Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter Community Pearls Scholarship Luncheon

In observance of Finer Womanhood, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority recognized five outstanding ladies of the community for their extraordinary community service.  The number five is noteworthy of the five founders of our sorority.  The 2016 honorees were recognized at the chapter’s luncheon which was held at the Columbus Country Club, April 9, 2016.  The guest speaker for this occasion was Dr. Robbie Latimore.

Dr. Latimore retired as Vice-President of Academic Affairs for South Georgia Technical College in Americus, Georgia.  She previously served as Vice-President for Student Services, Director for Instruction and Business Education Department Head in the Technical College System of Georgia.  Our speaker received a standing ovation throughout her presentation.  The message was powerful as she challenged all to be servants in the community and at church.  She delivered a message that we all could identify with and based on her biblical beliefs and upbringing.  Dr. Latimore challenged us to not only sign-up but to sign-on as members of organizations and religious affiliations and not to be bench members but willing servants.

The 2016 Community Pearl honorees were as follows:  Ms. Valerie Boggs, Mrs. Evergreen Ford Covington, Mrs. Margaret Jenkins, Ms. Cheryl Johnson and Mrs. Martha Nelson Jones.

Ms. Boggs is the Fund Development Director for Girls, Inc. of Columbus.  After retiring from the U.S. Army in October 2000 with twenty-one years of service, she began serving as the Director for the Chattahoochee Valley Resource Center at the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. In 2002 she became Director for Girls, Inc.  Some of her affiliations include:  Building Toward Wellness Community Coalition—Secretary and Board Member; Board Member for Columbus Family Connection, Chairperson of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Volunteer as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Big Sister with the Big Brother-Big Sister Program.

Mrs. Evergreen Ford Covington continues the legacy of her father—George W. Ford as the owner and operator of Progressive Funeral Home for 28 years.  She gives back to the community by serving on the board of the Department of Family and Children Services and the Orchettes Social and Civic Club.  Mrs. Covington believes that the ultimate measure of a woman is not where she stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where she stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Mrs. Margaret Stewart Jenkins a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother is indeed a community servant.  She is a retired educator from Muscogee County School District but also taught in Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi.  Mrs. Jenkins community service includes work with the Easter Seal Drive, United Negro College Fund, Girl Scouts, A.J. McClung YMCA, Columbus Community Center, Mayor’s Commission on Women and Minorities, the Columbus Museum, The International Benevolent Society, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  Mrs. Jenkins is the first African American to serve on the Muscogee County Board of Election and Registration; presently the board chairperson.  Mrs. Jenkins is the recipient of numerous honors and awards.        

Ms. Cheryl A. Johnson, President and CEO with West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition (WCGCC), a local non-profit committed to helping reduce the burden of cancer in the communities we serve.  Ms. Johnson activities in cancer prevention and control consist of participation in the Statewide Implementation Committee for Georgia’s Comprehensive Cancer Plan and the Regional Council of Coalitions of Georgia.  She considers her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Jessie Averett, Jr. and her faith and family as the driving forces behind her career choice as a public servant. Ms. Johnson continues her service as a member of St. James CME Church and Rho Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Mrs. Martha Jones is a retired Behavior Specialist for the Muscogee County School District.  She is the founder of SMIA (Successful Motivation in Action).  SMIA’s purpose is to focus the individual on his or her own intrinsic motivation and use it to produce successful actions, thus creating Successful Motivation-in-Action.  Mrs. Jones accomplishes her mission by presenting empowerment seminars designed for all ages from kindergarten, pre-adolescence, college, to senior citizens.  Mrs. Jones was presented the ABCD (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty) Award by Muscogee County School District for exceptional achievements through parenting workshops and seminars for teachers throughout Muscogee, Russell and Randolph County Schools.  She is presently the abstinence facilitator for Terrell County High School and founder of Terrell County Parent Academy.

The luncheon was enjoyed by all. Proceeds from the luncheon will support our scholarship program for deserving high school students in the area.  Music was provided by the Chemistry Project Band and photos by Davis Video Creations.