Ivy Beyond the Wall

Diamond Member Fannie Odelia Pulley joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^® in 1946 in the Alpha Psi Chapter at Tennessee. State University.  On March 19, 1949, she joined nine other Alpha Kappa Alpha women in chartering Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter at Alabama A&M College (now University).  Diamond Member Fannie Odelia Pulley perpetuated the purpose and ideals of the sorority through her willingness, dedication, and service. During her 78 years in the sorority, Diamond Member Fannie Odelia Pulley, served as President, Vice President, Parliamentarian, Secretary, Media Correspondent, and Ivy Leaf Reporter. Diamond Member Fannie Odelia Pulley shared her leadership skills as she chaired or co-chaired the Debutante Presentation and Ball, the Publicity Committee, the 41^st South Eastern Regional Conference, the Regional Registration Committee and served as the Regional Conference Parliamentarian.  Diamond Member Fannie Odelia Pulley was an educator who majored in Business Education.  She taught in Fayetteville, TN, Huntsville City Schools, and at Alabama A&M University.  She enjoyed teaching and encouraging youth to be the best they could be. Diamond Member Fannie Odelia Pulley was involved with other community efforts such as being a charter member of the Continental Societies Huntsville, the Daughters of Elks – Temple 1127, and Christian Women’s Job Corps. Diamond Member Fannie Odelia Pulley, was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Finance Committee, the Women’s Day Finance Committee, and the Publicity Committee as well as the Missionary Society Circle #2, the Senior Choir, the Bereavement Committee, the Prayer Ministry and attended the Women’s Sunday School Class.  Diamond Member Pulley became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on February 5, 2024.

Pearl Member Dr. Dorothy Johnson Gurley joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ^® in 1950 in the Gamma Mu Chapter at Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama.  Pearl Member Gurley perpetuated the purpose and ideals of the sorority through her willingness, dedication and service.  Pearl Member Gurley, served as President of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter, during the term 1977-1979.  She had a passion for Reading is Fundamental (RIF) as she supported it with Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter.  Pearl Member Gurley was an educator who was serious about her profession and the success of students. She spoke distinctly and with purpose. Pearl Member Gurley was an accomplished author.  Pearl Member Gurley, was quiet, charming, and always dressed impeccably, often completing an outfit with a stylist hat. Her daughter, Beverly Lampley, is her legacy and is currently a member of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter.  Pearl Member Gurley became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on November 7, 2023.

Silver Member Rosita D. Strong joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^® in 1996 in the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter, Huntsville, Alabama.  Silver Member Rosita D. Strong perpetuated the purpose and ideals of the sorority through her willingness, dedication, and untiring service.  Silver Member Rosita D. Strong displayed a quiet but committed work ethic with Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter.  Silver Member Rosita D. Strong, loved working with Prospective Debutantes as she encouraged them and projected a positive example. She served on the Health Committee and Target Five- specifically, making dresses for little girls in Africa. Silver Member Rosita D. Strong was a member of the Ivy Center Foundation and supported by attending the White Linen Brunches and donating to the Capital Campaign initiative.  Silver Member Rosita D. Strong graciously extended kindness to others and represented a wonderful example of what the Sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated ^® means.  Silver Member Rosita D. Strong found joy in traveling to Regional and National conferences with her legacy daughters, Sorors Antonia and Natalie by her side.  Silver Member Rosita D. Strong served her country and was retired from the United States Air Force. Silver Member Rosita D. Strong became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on July 3, 2023.

Pearl Member Evelyn Streeter Rich joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated ^® in 1952 in the Gamma Mu Chapter at Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama.  Pearl Member Evelyn Streeter Rich, perpetuated the purpose and ideals of the sorority through her willingness, creativity, dedication, and untiring service for 69 uninterrupted years. Pearl Member Evelyn Streeter Rich served in the Eta Xi Omega Chapter, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and later in 1977, joined Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter, Huntsville, Alabama, where she served as chaplain for four years. She served gracefully through the years on many chapter committees such as the Music Committee, Art Committee, Telephone Committee, Undergraduate Activities, and Reading is Fundamental. She used her beautiful vocal cords to sing with the Singing Pearls. She was elegant and possessed a pleasing demeanor as she continued to serve as a mentor and encouraged others to showcase their talents. Pearl Member Evelyn Streeter Rich became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on April 27, 2023.

Silver Member Mary Goode Rankin joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated ^® in 1982 in the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter, Huntsville, Alabama.  Silver Member Mary Goode Rankin perpetuated the purposes and ideals of the sorority through her willingness, dedication and untiring service.  She served on and chaired many chapter committees through the years, such as Reading is Fundamental (RIF), Debutante committees, and International and Chapter programs.  Silver Member Mary Goode Rankin shared her creative talent through the creation of songs, poems, games, skits and raps.  She used her beautiful vocal cords to sing with the Singing Pearls for many years.  Silver Member Mary Goode Rankin adored her pearls, pink, and green, and loved her Sorors dearly and missed seeing them greatly during her illness.  Silver Member Mary Goode Rankin extended her many talents in the community where she loved to sing God’s praises at her church, St. John AME as well as working with the children’s choir for over twenty years.  Silver Member Mary Goode Rankin’s true calling was teaching and loving children; she often mentored other teachers as well throughout her career.  She was anointed with the gift of loving, lifting, and celebrating others.  Her daughter, Brooke Lawson, is her legacy and is currently a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ^®.  Silver Member Rankin became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on March 2, 2023.

Epsilon Gamma Omega Member Lizzy M. Clemons joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ^®  in 2005 with the Phi Upsilon Omega Chapter, Town Creek, Alabama.  Lizzy M. Clemons continued her service to all mankind in the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter in Huntsville, Alabama. She perpetuated the purposes and ideals of the sorority through her willingness, dedication, and untiring service. Lizzy M. Clemons, executed her talents as a decorator on many occasions for Epsilon Gamma Omega’s special events such as the Mother-Daughter Brunch and the Debutante Presentation and Ball to name a few.  She loved pink and green, pearls and her sorority sisters immensely.  She always greeted them with a warm sisterly smile and hello.  Lizzy M. Clemons, extended her service into the community by serving as Director for the James A. Lane Boys and Girls Club for 31 years.  She served as a mentor and positive influence to thousands of boys and girls in the Huntsville Community.  Her daughter, Pamela Siles, is her legacy and is currently a member of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter.  Epsilon Gamma Omega Member Clemons became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on February 8, 2023.

Pearl Member Eulasteen P. Muse joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^® in 1950 in the Gamma Mu Chapter at Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama.  Pearl Member Eulasteen P. Muse was proud to continue her commitment to Alpha Kappa Alpha as she was initiated the year following the chartering of the Gammu Mu Chapter. She attended various conferences over the years. Pearl Member Eulasteen P. Muse continued her service to all mankind in the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter in Huntsville, Alabama.  Pearl Member Muse perpetuated the purposes and ideals of the sorority through her work and community service.  Pearl Member Eulasteen P. Muse displayed her generosity for Epsilon Gamma Omega with her treasures by many donations of goods during special collections; her time by assisting with decorating for Epsilon Gamma Omega’s Signature program the Debutante Presentation and Ball as she enjoyed attending as well. Pearl Member Eulasteen P. Muse graciously extended kindness to others, encouraged others and was a role model. Her daughter, Anita Muse, is her legacy and is currently a member of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter. Pearl Member Eulasteen P. Muse became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on Sunday, January 24, 2023. 

Mrs. Cora Hamer Speight was initiated in Madison, Alabama into Rho Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated, in 1997. She became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on May 18, 2018.  During her twenty-one years as an AKA, she moved her membership to Epsilon Gamma Omega (EGO) Chapter, Huntsville, Alabama, where she served on the Executive Committee as Pecunious Grammateus; served selflessly on the Newsletter Committee and the Economic Growth of the Black Family Committee.  Soror Cora also served on the Audit, Health Resource Management and the Economic Security Committees. She worked tirelessly as a Board Member of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter’s The Ivy Center of Huntsville/Madison County Foundation.  She served as treasurer of the foundation.  Soror Speight perpetuated the purposes and ideals of the sorority through her work and community service.  The Board of Directors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated posthumously extended commendations to Soror Cora Speight for her leadership and dedication

Mrs. Mattie Leslie Lacey

Mrs. Mattie Leslie Lacey was initiated into Gamma Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated in 1950. Upon graduation from Alabama A&M College, she moved her membership to Epsilon Gamma Omega (EGO) Chapter, Huntsville, Alabama.  Soror Mattie became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on May 12, 2018.  During her sixty-eight years in the Sorority, Golden Soror Mattie Lacey served on the Executive Committee as Grammateus.  This Golden Soror also served on the Building and Grounds, Membership, Social Welfare, EAF, and Connection Committees.  In addition, she served on the Courtesy and Protocol, Written History, Telephone, Organizational Impact and Collaboration Committees.  As a very active Soror, she served several times on the Data Bank and Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Committees. Golden Soror Mattie worked on several Debutante Ball Committees including Decorations. The Board of Directors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated posthumously extended commendations to Golden Soror Mattie Lacey for her leadership and dedication.

Virginia Caples, PhD was initiated in 1967 into Gamma Phi Chapter on the campus of Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi.  She became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on February 19, 2018.  Upon coming to Huntsville, Alabama, in the late 1970s, Soror Virginia Caples continued her service to all mankind in the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter. This Golden Soror served with dedication throughout the years.  Dr. Caples also supported the Alabama A&M University undergraduate Gamma Mu Chapter, by ensuring that each member had whatever was needed in order to continue the chapter’s legacy of excellence.  Soror Caples served, untiringly, on various committees within the chapter.  She was best known as a strategic planner within the sorority and the community.  She was a founding member of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter’s The Ivy Center of Huntsville/Madison County Foundation.  Golden Soror Caples served selflessly and tirelessly on the Ivy Center Foundation Board as Vice-President and Co-Chairman of the Building and Land Committee.  To honor her legacy and her commitment to her community, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University established the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute, which supports and addresses learning and advanced quality of life for the oldest adult population. Soror Virginia Caples perpetuated the purposes and ideals of the sorority through her work and community service.  The Board of Directors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated posthumously extended commendations to Golden Soror Virginia Caples for her leadership and dedication. Dr. Caples was the first woman to be named, twice, as interim president of Alabama A&M University.

Mrs. Sandra O'Neal Dickerson

Mrs. Sandra O’Neal Dickerson was born on September 1, 1942 and became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on October 29, 2017.  She joined the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in the Beta Upsilon Chapter on the campus of Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Mrs. Dickerson continued her service to all mankind in the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter, Huntsville, Alabama and served with dedication in various capacities throughout the years to include chapter Chaplain; Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Debutante Presentation and Ball Training Committee; a member of the Singing Pearls; and the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Committee.  Additionally, as a member of Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter, she served on the Ivy Center of Huntsville/Madison County Foundation, Inc. Board, where she also worked selflessly and tirelessly as both Chairman and Co-Chairman of the White Linen Brunch.

Mrs. Ann Gardner Eady

Mrs. Ann Gardner Eady born on March 6, 1927 and became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on November 30, 2016. Ann became a member of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1973, on the campus of Tennessee State University, in Nashville, Tennessee.   Mrs. Eady was initiated into the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated sixty-nine years ago in the Alpha Psi Chapter on the campus of Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee.  Mrs. Eady continued her service to all mankind as a Charter Member of the Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter, Huntsville, Alabama and served with dedication. Epsilon Gamma Omega Chapter was chartered on March 19, 1949 on the campus of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Normal, Alabama.  Ann was the beginning of a rich legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha women to include her daughter, Stephanie Eady Britt; her sister, Faye Gardner Stewart; nieces, Takasha Stewart Coleman, Cynthia Gardner Snyder, Deidre Gardner White, and Felicia Gardner who is an Ivy Beyond the Wall.