Soror Floria Garbutt transitioned into Omega Rho on September 23, 2023, at the age of 87. She retired as a Palm Beach County School District Instructor after serving for several years. Soror Garbutt was a faithful member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Riviera Beach, Florida. She served on the Deaconess Board, Missionary Society, Sunday School Teacher, Mass Choir, and the Ministers Wives Association. She was also a member of C.T.A., F.R.A., Park Manor Neighborhood Association, and Lindsay Davis Center respectively.

Soror Garbutt was initiated into the Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in 1989. She was a Life Member (#1721) and Ruby. Soror Garbutt graciously served the Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter in many roles, including co-chair and chair of the Big Hat Jazz Brunch, Scholarship Committee, and Benevolence Chair. She had a profound love for writing and reciting poetry. Soror Garbutt had a Golden personality and loved to share jokes and laughter. Throughout her Golden years, she maintained her independence and remained active with her church, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and other civic organizations.

Soror Garbutt’s love and legacy live on in her family, friends, and Sorors. To celebrate her life and cherish their wonderful memories, she leaves behind her sons Garriet L. (Brenda) Carter, Sr. and Kevin (Mel) Davis; one daughter: Karen (Hugh) Bailey; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters: Oletha Harris, Evelyn (Ross), and Joyce (Ervin) Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many sorrowing relatives and friends.

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Soror Leola Massey Gainey, affectionately known as “Mrs. G,” transitioned into Omega Rho on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the age of 98. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1925, she later moved to West Palm Beach, FL, where she became a pillar in her community.  Soror Gainey was initiated into the Gamma Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in 1955, as part of the first line of the chapter. Soror Gainey was a Life Member (#540) and Cultured Pearl, and she graciously served as the Courtesy and Benevolence Chair and on the scholarship committee. 

Soror Gainey dedicated her life to serving her beloved husband, son, and others. She received her bachelor’s degree from Allen University and master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University.  She worked in the Palm Beach Beach County School District as an educator for 36 years.  A devout Christian, she was a longtime member of the Payne Chapel AME Church. 

Her love and legacy will continue to live on in her family, friends, and sorors. The sorors of the Gamma Gamma Sigma Alumnae Chapter are eternally grateful for Soror Gainey’s sisterhood, scholarship, and service to our sorority.

Soror Rosalyn Annette Moore transitioned into Omega Rho on April 1, 2022. She was born on March 12, 1969, and she passed away on April 1, 2022, at the age of 53. Her memorial service was held at Brown’s Funeral Home Chapel in Lantana, FL on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 3:00 PM1. Rosalyn’s impact and memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of her loved ones. 🕊️❤️.

 In Memory of

The heavenly gates opened on September 5, 2022, to welcome our beloved grandmother, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. On February 11, 1926, Emma Mencey was born to Rufus and Mary Frances Mencey in Clyattville, GA. She was the youngest of four children. In search of a better life, she moved to West Palm Beach, FL where she worked full time in the day and attended high school and college at night. This hard work earned her a Master of Science degree in Administration & Supervision of Educational Systems.

In West Palm Beach, she met the love of her life, Martin V. Moore. They married and settled in Roosevelt Estates with their son, Clarence Mencey Moore.

She was active in her community by serving as the secretary for the West Palm Beach NAACP Chapter and the Roosevelt Estates Home Owner Association. She was also a proud member of Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., West Palm Beach, Florida. Most of all she was a devoted Christian like her mother and was very active in her church. She joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in 1958 and was a faithful servant, serving in any role needed.

Emma Mencey Moore is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband and son. She leaves behind grandchildren, Cassandra Eddings (Brian Chiappetta), Anthony Moore, and B.T. Moore (Angelina Moore); great-grandchildren, Margaret Eddings, Alexandria Eddings, Adira Moore, Antowne Moore, Justice Moore, Liberty Moore, B.T. Moore, Jr., Treasure Moore, Elijah Moore, Gabriella Moore, and Demani Moore; nieces Mary Evelyn Grant and Annie Pearl Newkirk; relatives, and friends. 

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Neilia Cunningham, along with Amy Holliday and Janie Koon, played a pivotal role in establishing the Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida. Let’s delve into the inspiring history of their sisterhood:

1. In November 1947, ten members of the Beta Delta Sigma Chapter in Tallahassee were challenged to extend Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority in Florida. Among them was Sarah Kibble, who accepted the mission to bring Sigma to the Palm Beaches.
2. Working under the guidance of Soror Minerva Mathews, Basileus of Beta Delta Sigma, and with the assistance of Soror Audrey Hogan from Boynton Beach, Florida, four talented young ladies were pledged into the Aurora Pledge Club.
3. Neilia Cunningham, Amy Holliday, and Janie Koon were part of this group. Their persistence and diligence fueled their determination to build a strong sisterhood.
4. Alongside them, Ruth Edgecombe and Sarah Rolle joined their ranks, and their dream of establishing a chapter became a reality.
5. In 1955, these five sorors traveled to Miami to assist Soror Myrtle Russell in building their legacy. On March 11, 1955, they received the charter for Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter at the Southeastern Regional Conference in Tampa, Florida.
6. The charter celebration took place on Sunday, April 17, 1955, at West Riviera Elementary School, during an All-Greek Vesper. Representatives from the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) offered their support and greetings.
7. The founding members of Gamma Gamma Sigma sought young women of high scholastic achievement, good moral character, and strong leadership standards. Their commitment to “Greater Service, Greater Progress” continues to shape their legacy.

Gamma Gamma Sigma stands as a testament to their dedication and the unbreakable bond of SGRho sisterhood.

 First Membership Club:

Elnora Barber was a trailblazer and a founding member of the Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida. This chapter, an alumnae group, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for women and their families through community service, civil action, and social initiatives. Their mission encompasses education, health awareness, and leadership development.

In 1955, Gamma Gamma Sigma achieved a significant milestone by inducting its first membership club. Elnora Barber was one of the seven pioneering members who laid the foundation for this chapter. The other esteemed members included Anginora Brown, Agnes Balfour, Anne Brooks, Ineria Hudnell, Leola Massey, and Elizabeth Smith. Their dedication and persistence paved the way for a legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

As part of their impactful work, the chapter organizes various events and programs, including:

1. Project Reassurance: A program that supports expectant mothers and provides resources for healthy pregnancies.
2. Operation Big Book Bag: Focused on promoting literacy by distributing school supplies and books to children.
3. Youth Symposium: An educational forum that empowers young people with knowledge and skills.
4. Scholarship Opportunities: The chapter actively supports high school students in their pursuit of education.

Elnora Barber’s legacy lives on through the continued efforts of the Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter. Her commitment to service and community upliftment remains an inspiration for all.

For more information about the chapter’s activities and upcoming events, you can visit their official website: Gamma Gamma Sigma Sorority.

In loving service, Tequesta C. Alston Basileus, Gamma Gamma Sigma Chapter

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Elizabeth Ford Smith was called HOME TO THE Lord on December 4, 2012, in Ft. Washington, Maryland. Mrs. Smith retired from the Palm Beach County School system in 1984 after 33 years. She was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Payne Chapel AME Church Missionary Society, Stewards, and History Guild and conducted an after-school program for 18 years. Elizabeth F. Smith lived on Singer Island until health began to fail, moving to Maryland to be with her son, Hampton "Butch" Jackson, MD (deceased April 2012). Memorial Services Friday, March 22, 2013, 11:00 AM at Payne Chapel AME Church, 801 9th Street, West Palm Beach.

Soror Barbara Butler Cunningham. She was born on March 19, 1932, in Ft. Pierce, FL, and she passed away quietly at home on October 2, 2014. 

Barbara was a dedicated educator and made significant contributions to her community and sorority.

Here are some details about her life and legacy:

1. Education and Teaching Career:

    - Barbara taught at Gifford Elementary School in Indian River County for 11 years.

    - Upon relocating to West Palm Beach in 1969, she continued her teaching career at **Melaleuca Elementary School for 22 years.

    - Her commitment to education positively impacted countless students.

2. Sorority Affiliations:

    - Barbara was a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. for over 50 years.

    - She actively contributed to the sorority's mission of enhancing the quality of life for women and their families through community service, civil action, and social impact.

    - Her dedication exemplified the sorority's slogan: Greater Service, Greater Progress

3. Community Involvement:

    - Barbara was also part of the West Palm Beach Chapter of The Links, Inc. for over 35 years.

    - Her commitment extended beyond sorority life, as she engaged in community service and uplifted others.

4. Legacy and Family:

    - Barbara leaves behind cherished memories and a loving family:

        - Former husband: T. J. Cunningham, Sr., Esq.

        - Three daughters: Belinda C. Palmore, Tequesta C. Alston, and Kimberly C. Mosley, Esq.

        - Siblings: Naomi Adams, Charles Butler, and Gloria Dampier

        - Six grandchildren: Regindia, Melindia, Tiffani, Monterey, Tevin, and Justin.

Barbara Butler Cunningham's impact on education, sisterhood, and community service will be remembered with gratitude. May her soul rest in peace. 🕊️❤️🔺

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age 98, of Riviera Beach, Florida. passed away quietly on Monday, March 14, 2016, at Good Samaritan Hospital following an extended illness. A Retired Palm Beach County School Principal.
Homegoing Services will be held Saturday, March 26, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Payne Chapel A. M. E. Church, 801 9th Street, West Palm Beach, FL. with Reverend Henry E. Green, III. Pastor. Friends may call on Saturday one hour before service time at the church mentioned above. Internment at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens.

 SANDERS, Shirley
Smith Shirley Smith Sanders, age, 69, born on August 27, 1945, in Federal Point, FL, was the youngest of eight children born to Charlie and Juanita Smith and passed away on February 1, 2015. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband James Richard Sanders and one daughter Nichelle Sanders Foster (Antonio). She will always be remembered for her positive spirit, her faith, and her commitment to family, and will be forever held in our memories and hearts. A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 1111 36th Street, West Palm Beach, FL, officiating Rev. Tyrone Sanders. The family will greet friends on Friday, February 6, 2015, 6 PM at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Professional Services entrusted to Shuler's Memorial Chapel, West Palm Beach, FL.