History of Charlotte Chapter
In 1965, Lena B. Sammons dreamed long and hard of being a
part of a prestigious social club. This "Social Bug"
continued to haunt Lena and the urge became more paramount
in her daily thoughts. It was when Lena visited with the
Durham Chapter of Epicureans that she became more determined
to actualize her Epicurean dream. The first plan of action
would be, to bring together a core of classy, creative,
fun-loving and intellectual young women. Lena encouraged six
of her co-workers from York Road High School and nineteen
other friends to attend the initial organizational meeting
of "Social Clubbers" with Lena as president.
Several
months passed and the social group set its sights on the
club's ultimate goal - securing a sponsor and qualifying as
bona fide members of National Epicureans, Inc, The Durham
Chapter Epicureans honored them by accepting the sponsorship
challenge.
In 1966, Lena M. Sammons was named Founder and
First President of the Charlotte Chapter of National
Epicureans. This outstanding leader successfully guided
these Charter members:
Genevieve Brown, *Vivian Chambers,
*Vivian Collins, June Gilliard, Mattie Grigsby,
*Mildred
Grigsby, Ann McNair, Gloria C. Mumford, *Juanita Reid,
*Grace Stevenson,
*Virginia Wakefield, Juanita White,
*Lena M. Sammons, President
The Eppie membership soon
increased to twenty as newly inducted members were added to
the roster. Through the years that followed, other qualified
presidents stepped up to the podium, took the gavel and
encouraged the group to forge ahead for 52 challenging,
glorious and wonderful years being Epicureans.
During
these years of growth and socialization we have hosted three
National conclaves and Fall Executive meetings, the most
recent being the 2016 Conclave.
Several National officers
emerged from this Epicurean chapter of diverse, talented and
dedicated ladies: Mattie Grigsby served as President,
Dorothy Bratton as Recording Secretary, Genevieve Brown as
Parliamentarian, and Treva Pettis as Corresponding
Secretary, Recording Secretary and currently Vice President.
Eppies from the Charlotte Chapter continue to serve on
National Committees.
For 52 years, the Charlotte Eppies
and Eppos have made their marks in Epicurean history. The
members have vowed to uphold the Epicurean motto during our
journey as Epicureans.
*Deceased