In January of 1965, several women, who were eager to plant the Zeta seeds of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, chartered the Zeta Pi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Chapter History
In January of 1965, several women, who were eager to plant the Zeta seeds of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, chartered the Zeta Pi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in Portsmouth, Virginia. There to witness this momentous occasion were the Sorority’s National President Soror Mildred C. Boone (Bradham), Eastern Regional Director Soror Audrey B. Robinson, and National Historian Soror Irma B. Thompson.
To steer the chapter through its first year were: Soror Susie S. Keele, President; Soror Elnora C. Cook, First Vice President; Soror Grace Jackson, Secretary; Soror Emma Jones, Treasurer; Soror Addie S. Brown, Historian; and Soror Catherine Spellman, Parliamentarian. Members of the charter chapter included: Vivian Boykins, Violet Clark, Hortense Edwards, Lucille Jackson, Margie McDonald, Lester McKnight, and Vivyan Pritchett.
Throughout the years Zeta Pi Zeta has grown to become very involved in the community and continues to look for creative and innovative ways to shine the light of Zeta.
“We may be small in number, but we’re big in heart.”
Past Chapter Presidents
1965-1969 Soror Susie S. Keele
1969-1971 Soror Jean Keeling
1971-1973 Soror Vivian Boykins
1973-1975 Soror Elnora Cooke
1975-1976 Soror Mamie Jones
1976-1978 Soror Odesa Baker
1978-1980 Soror Ernestine Cassell
1980-1982 Soror Lessie B. Williams
1982-1984 Soror Dorothy Walton
1984-1986 Soror Rose Brabble
1986-1988 Soror Helen Harris
1988-1990 Soror Susie Keele
1990-1992 Soror Barbara Franklin
1992-1994 Soror Dorothy Mott
1994-1998 Soror Jean Scott-Clifton
1998-2002 Soror Renee Dunnaville
2002-2004 Soror Linda Carrington-Davey
2004-2010 Soror Paula Sayles
2010-2011 Soror Teresa R. Jones
2011-2014 Soror Vanessa Pearson
2014-2018 Soror Darlene Shelton
2018-2020 Soror Lisa Hope
2020-Present Soror Lisa Hood
What We’ve Achieved
Susie S. Keele CHROME (Cooperating Hampton Roads Organization for Minorities) Community Club sponsor since 1989
Host of several Finer Womanhood luncheons, banquets, and dinners, with distinguished guests including Senator Louise L. Lucas and the late Senator Yvonne Miller
Participation in March of Dimes programs, walks, and fundraisers
Outreach efforts at Bell’s Residential Adult Care assisted living facility in Portsmouth, VA
Partnership : H.E.R. Shelter and Oasis Delivery (Food delivery to Senior Citizens)
Little Miss Blue Revue Pageant sponsor since 1985
2008 Recipient of the Minority Economics Development Challenge Award for Non-Profit Organizations at the NAACP’s 65th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet
Involvement in Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) Programs throughout the year each year
Adopt-a-Spot
Adopt-a-School: Lakeview Elementary School and W.E. Waters Middle School in Portsmouth, VA