Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc.

The Northern Region

The Northern Region of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Inc., the largest of the seven regions, encompasses all chapters in the states of Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The first chapter was a combined graduate and undergraduate chapter at Lewis College and among it’s members today are descendants of our founders, Violet T. Lewis and Elizabeth Garner.

The Northern Region currently maintains undergraduate chapter affiliations on the campuses of Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, Rochester, MI., University of Toledo, Cleveland State University, Wilberforce and Central State Universities in Ohio.

The history of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority is rich in contributions from the Northern Region. Four of the National Presidents of the organization were elected from the Northern Region, Elizabeth Garner and Beatrice Preston from Detroit, and Marie Rivers and Katherine Davis from Dayton, OH.

All twenty–six signers of the original Articles of Incorporation were from the Northern Region as well as the recipients of the “Living Pearl” designation, a prestigious honor to worthy members. One Living Pearl Mattie Willis, remains an active member today.

Our Sorority Pin, a beautiful gold pin presented to all new members of Gamma Phi Delta, was designed in the Northern Region by Elizabeth Garner. Our Sorority Hymn, which holds a special place in the hearts of all members, was composed in the Northern region by Juanita Parnell.

Each year, all chapters are required to highlight the talents of their youth during the “Artists of Tomorrow” program, originated in the Northern Region in 1944. The first National Conference and Executive Board meetings were held in the region.

Our dedication to youth and to our communities is a top priority. Among our affiliations, we maintain a life membership in the NAACP and the NCNW, National Council of Negro Women headquartered in Washington D.C.

During our National Conferences, we have provided for as many as one hundred youth at one time to participate by financing air fare, hotel lodgings, uniforms and whatever else was needed. The Northern Region awards Regional Scholarships to deserving youth and deserving members as well.

Among our many community service events each year, our region participates in the Breast Cancer Walks in our various cities and annually, the Detroit Chapter of the National March of Dimes celebrates a “Fashion Extravaganza” which was organized by our co–founder Mrs. Violet T. Lewis over fifty years ago.

The Northern Region, the largest in number of all the regions, is very proud of our status and proud to be the home of the Gamma Phi Delta Headquarters building located in one of the many historic districts of the city of Detroit. Our building is identified by light post banners along the famous West Grand Blvd., also the street housing the famed Motown Museum.

In 2007 we celebrated our 56th conference of the Northern Region. During the conferences Sadie Palmer and Kay Davis of Dayton were appointed first and second Regional Directors, followed by Mary Miles of Detroit. After that in 1988 Nellis Saunders was the first elected Director of the Northern Region. She was followed by Jessie Schropshire of Dayton, Marjorie Harris, Mary Murdock, Elma Peddy, Andrea Wright, Hellen Pacely and Joyce Phillips all of Detroit.

Currently the officers of the Northern Region are, Joyce Phillips, Director, LyShay McGowan Assistant Director, LaDora King, Secretary, Hellen Pacely Financial Secretary, Theresa Dillard, Treasurer, Donna Buffington–Smith, Assistant Secretary and Stacey Skipp, Editor.

We pride ourselves in maintaining the name of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority in high standing wherever women’s community service organizations are acknowledged.