Bonham’s Chi Lambda

By Edward Southerland

Photo by Mike Weber

This story was published January 2010.

Think sorority and the immediate image is a college campus, Greek letters over the entrance of a white columned house, and young women off to the prom. That may be the image, but it is not necessarily the reality.

For decades, business and professional women in America have banded together to further social and community goals and to foster good works through social service sororities. Chi Lambda in Bonham began as a local chapter of the national service sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha in the 1970s. After a decade of affiliation with the national group, the Bonham chapter spun off as an independent entity with a new name, Chi Lambda, but with the same devotion to serving the people of Bonham and Fannin County.

Chi Lambda marked its “Silver” anniversary in 2009, chalking up twenty-five years of interaction with the community with a celebration and renewal of the group’s mission of service. Early on, the members focused efforts on programs for Mental Health and Mental Retardation and volunteer work in nursing homes. The last decade has seen the emphasis shift to children, and Chi Lambda sponsors the Fannin County Special Olympics. Members also work with the “Autumn in Bonham” bike rally, Relay for Life, and other events and activities directed toward helping local children.

Valentine’s Day is Chi Lambda’s birthday, so it is fitting that the group’s symbol is a heart— “As love of sister for sister and friend for friend outweighed potential barriers, Chi Lambda was formed and secured with a bond of love.”

Officers:
President – Marsha Sewell
Vice-president - Dawn Nichols
Secretary – Jennie Poe
Treasurer – Andrea Pennington

Members:
Audra Andrews, Paulette Andrew, Beverly Berni, Mandi Brooks, Karen Butler, Alice Carruth, Sondra Compton, Stephanie Dennis, Sandy Dobbels, Ashlea Frasier, Michelle Griffin, Jane Hodge, Kenna Hodge, Laura Lackey, Samantha Lumpkins, Brenda Moore, Royce Moss, Leslie Oliver, Barbara Parker, Mary Payne, Lisa Porter, Tammy Rich, Patsy Richardson, Denise Sanderson, Doris Shockley, Sally Simpson, Brenda Sims, Connie Skidmore, Julie Todd, Kelly Trompler, Linda Vaught, Ashley Walker, and Freida Welch.