HISTORY OF THE ALACHUA COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE CHARMETTES, INCORPORATED
Original Alachua County Members
From Left to Right: Jackie Jackson, Bettye Jennings, Ellen H. Rush, Sandra Hudnell, Janie Williams, Synester Jones, Claire C. Hinson, Doris Willis.
Kneeling: Rosemarie Turk, Doris Welcome.
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Ten educated and ambitious young women of Alachua County who had been gathering socially to have fun and support each other, had aspirations to become more involved in educational and community initiatives as an organization. In November of 1975, after receiving an invitation to join the Charmettes Incorporated, these ten excited young women boarded the Silver Meter train to travel to Miami Beach, Florida to be installed at the Charmettes’ National Convention. This newly formed chapter known as the “Talented Ten” embraced their love for enjoying life and supporting their community.
The legacy of the Alachua County Chapter was led to prominence by Clarice Hinson, President, Jakki Jackson, Vice President, Synester Jones, Secretary, Ellen Rush, Financial Secretary, Doris Welcome, Treasurer, Sandra Hudnell, President Elect and Social Chairperson, Janie Williams, Publicity Chairperson, Bettye Jennings, Business Manager, Doris Willis, Co-Chairperson of Hospitality and Rosemarie Turk, Parliamentarian.
In 1981, The Charmettes, Incorporated adopted cancer research and education as the national projects recognizing the Howard University Cancer Research Center as the institution that all chapters would annually support. The Alachua County Chapter has also joined the fight against cancer with the American Cancer Society by participating in the annual events, “Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” and “Relay for Life East Gainesville”.
The Alachua County Chapter is committed to providing school supplies to students and resources to families. The chapter’s signature fundraising event crowns “Miss Charm Teen” at “Breakfast for Madame”. Parents of the contestants, Charmette sisters, business owners and members of the community sponsor middle school age young ladies through the purchasing of tickets and ads. Funds from the event support the national cancer projects and scholarships that are awarded yearly to students who have enrolled in a college or university.
1977
Charmette Sisters Barbara Smith, Cynthia Cook, and Queen Hicks
1979
Charmette Sisters Sarah Richardson, Leanetta McNealy, and Sandra Bradley
1981
Charmette Sisters Sheila Parker, Gladys Wright, Veronica Campbell-Walls, and Ann Nelson
1984
Charmette Sisters Carolyn Isaac, Liz Jenkins, Janice Wiley, and Renee Eaton
1990
Charmette Sisters Barbara Perry, Bettye Baskin, Carmen Green, and Linda Rawls
1994
Charmette Sisters Ella Lawson, Cylinthia Slater, Altheia Henderson-Thompson, Charmaine Henry, Joyce Orie and Geraldine Terry
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1998
Charmette Sisters Annette Kleckley, Phyllis Kotey, Lisa Cooper, Odette Robinson, and Ora White
2003
Charmette Sisters Cassandra Evans, Beverly White, Donna Jones
2006
Charmette Sisters Susie Mosley, Betty Reaves, Cheryl Allen, Tiffany Dorsey and Barbara Manley
2010
Charmette Sisters Anita Jenkins-McCarter, Linda Holliman, Dorcas Ramseur, Hazel Foxx, Janice Clark, Marie Small, Carolyn Ramsey, Vida Green, Bessie Jackson and Renita Jenkins
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2017
Charmette Sisters Lana Ezell and Shaney Livingston
2018
Charmette Sister Dawn McDowelle
2020
Charmette Sisters Evelyn Foxx, Brenda McGlon and Lillie Perkins
2023
Charmette Sisters Jacquelyn Collins and Brigette Hart-Sams and Thashea Miles
2024
Charmette Sisters Shilah Carroll, Tamara Davis, and Romana Jackson