IVIES BEYOND THE WALL
Fort : Retired Educator / Silver Soror / Life Member
Greenville , SC – Soror Velvette Tate Fort became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on May 5 , 2020 . She earned a bachelor ' s degree in elementary education from Knoxville College and in 1980 , a master ' s degree in early childhood development from the University of Wisconsin . Her passion for education led her to a prominent career as an elementary teacher with the Greenville County School District for 35 years . Over the years , she was a faithful member of Springfield Baptist Church where she served in ministries such as leading the Girl Scouts and singing in The Voices of Faith choir , which she named . Soror Forte was initiated in Gamma Eta Chapter at Knoxville College , spring 1973 . She was a member of Epsilon Tau Omega Chapter until her passing . Left to carry on her legacy are her daughter , Soror Jervelle Fort ; two brothers , Harrison Tate , Jr ., and Jimmie Tate , and a host of other relatives , friends and sorors .
Francois : Retired School Administrator / Golden Star
Baltimore , MD – Soror Jerrell Irene Foster Francois became an Ivy Beyond the Wall . Soror Jerrell Francois was initiated into Alpha Delta Chapter in 1957 at Morgan State College ( now university ). She graduated from Morgan with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in education . Soror Francois transferred into the Epsilon Omega Chapter and remained until death . Soror Francois served on the connection and hospitality committees . She served as a principal for the Baltimore City Public Schools . In 1984 , she was named as one of the three " Outstanding Principals ." She became as adjunct faculty member at Coppin State University and Morgan State University . In 1995 , she became executive director of Sylvan Education Solutions . She was appointed to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioner and served as vice chairman . She was a member of Zion Baptist Church , where she served as a trustee . Soror Francois ' husband Malcolm J . Francois preceded her in death , she leaves to cherish her memory daughter , Veronica Jones , relatives , friends , and Epsilon Omega Chapter members .
Forte : Retired Police Officer / Silver Star / Life Member
Las Vegas , NV – Soror Marvella Stringfellow Forte became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on June 11 , 2020 . She was initiated at Prairie View University , Zeta Gamma Chapter in 1975 . Soror Forte was a Silver Star and Life Member . She was a retired Policer Officer with the Houston Police Department . After retiring she and her husband relocated to Las Vegas where she became an active member with Theta Theta Omega Chapter . Soror Marvella Forte was a 45-year member of the sorority . She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Woodrow “ Woody " Forte and their daughter Soror Marwood Leatrice Forte .
Foster : Retired Counselor / Patron of the Arts / Golden Soror
Mobile , AL – Soror Alma Washington Foster became an Ivy Beyond the Wall . She was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church . Soror Foster was initiated at Chi Chapter and received her bachelor ’ s degree of science from Talladega College and her master ' s in counseling and guidance at the University of South Alabama , where she retired as a teacher . She was a world traveler and served on many boards , such as , Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society , Mobile Museum of Art , and the History Museum of Mobile . Honors included the AKA Image Award and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Women of the Year . She was preceded in death by her parents , Clarence Joseph Washington and Ethel Williams Washington , husband Maynard Vivian Foster and son , Maynard Vivian Foster Jr . She leaves those to cherish her memory , son Kendall Erwin ( Michelle ) Foster ; three grandchildren , Kendall Jr ., Michael and Kelli M . Foster Makerson ; two great-grandchildren , Kendall III and Ava Grace and a host of other family members , relatives , and friends .
Celebrating 100 Years of Ivy Leaf ® Magazine
Franklin : Clinical Therapist / Business Owner
Tyrone , GA – Soror Stacy Elizabeth Chandler Franklin became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on December 4 , 2020 . She was initiated in 2017 at the Phi Pi Omega Chapter . She served as chairman of the connection committee . Soror Franklin had an accomplished career in marketing , diversity strategies , and human resources . She was an advocate for mental health and wellness by becoming a licensed clinical therapist — opening a counseling franchise practice , Access Counseling and Coaching . Soror Franklin valued education , having graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology , race and urban relations ; earned a Master of Science Degree in Professional and Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University ; and became a certified diversity professional / advanced practitioner , certified by Cornell University . She is survived by her husband the Reverend Lee Curtis Franklin , Jr .; children , Shayla Dillard , Soror Shannon Dillard-Thompson and Brandon Franklin ; mom , Ann Fulton ; sister , Soror Keya Fulton ; and a beloved host of grandchildren , family , and friends
Gardner : Retired Principal / Pearl Soror / Life Member
Detroit , MI - Pearl Soror Frances Shaw Gardner became an Ivy Beyond the Wall . She was initiated into Alpha Psi Chapter in 1952 at Tennessee State University , in that same year she was recognized by " Who ' s Who in American Colleges and Universities " and graduated magna cum laude in 1953 . She was employed by the Nashville City Schools and often provided workshops based on her exemplary service . In 1960 she and her family moved to Detroit , working for the Detroit Public Schools from 1960 until she retired as principal of Bethune School in 1989 . She served as the basileus of Alpha Rho Omega Chapter from 1981-1983 . Soror Gardner received a Distinguished Service Award from the Wayne County Executive in 1985 and the Spirit of Detroit award in 1992 . In 2008 the sorority featured her as a " Newsmaker in the Eighties ," a traveling exhibit commemorating the centennial . She is survived by her son William ( Derryl ), grandson , nieces , goddaughters and many other relatives and friends . Her husband , William , and son , Ernest , preceded her in death .
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