HERstory

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 organization is a sisterhood of predominately Black, college educated women. Since its founding more than 300,000 women have joined the organization. The Sorority has over 900 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States, the Arabian Gulf, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Virgin Islands. 

Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need. In March of 1913, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. performed their first public act. They participated in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was incorporated in 1930.

CHAPTER HERSTORY

The history of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. commends the spirit and the imagination of the twenty-two college women who founded on beloved sorority on January 13, 1913. 

It is with similar spirit and imagination that during the late 30's, dedicated sorors of DST worked laboriously toward the establishment of a chapter to serve the city of Tyler. These sorors were Bessie Davis Randall, Nanette Wheatley Williams, Mildred Jones Baker, Lenora Amos, and Lillian Uggams.  In 1940, Martha Hunter joined in the efforts.

During the interim of the Chapter's establishment, Sorors Pearl Robinett and Nona Moffatt were initiated by the Dallas Chapter, and Sorors Lillie Mae Givens, Geneva Smith Taliaferro and others were initiated into the Alpha Iota Chapter of Wiley College. 

In 1942, Founder Myra Davis Hemmings conducted the establishment of Gamma Epsilon Chapter (presently Tyler Alumnae) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Initiated were Effie B. Austin, Harriett Darnell, Katie A. Stewart, and Nora Cecil McDaniel.  

The first initial program of Gamma Epsilon was held at the Texas College auditorium, Sunday evening, November 15, 1942, at 6:30 p.m.

Gamma Epsilon, a mixed chapter (undergraduate/graduate), was reorganized in 1946 as Gamma Epsilon Sigma, a graduate chapter. In 1958, it became Tyler Alumnae Chapter. 

Gamma Epsilon Charter - November 5, 1942

1946 - Gamma Epsilon Sigma

1958 - Tyler Alumnae

First Officers:

President: Bessie Davis-Randall

Vice President: Mildred Jones-Baker

Secretary: Erlyne J. Johnson

Asst. Secretary: Ruby Dawson

Treasurer: Nona Stein-Moffatt

Sergeant-At-Arms: Marie McIntyre

Reporter: Bernice Smith

Chapter Charter Members:

Lenora Y. Amos

Willie B. Anderson

Effie B. Austin

Dorothy Corruthers

Erlene Crouch

Harriet G. Darnell

Ora Mae Drawhorn

Ida Durham

Lillie Mae Givens

Joyceim P. Goss

Martha B. Hunter

Margaret Jones

Naomi I. Jones

Nora C. McDaniel

Pearl R. Robinett

Florine Rucker

Katie A. Stewart

Geneva Taliaferro

Thiery Toilette

Lillian J. Uggams

Lela Mae White

Nannett W. Williams

Marjorie Wilson