Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Grambling Graduate Chapter recently honored Martha V. Pierce and Emma C. Wilson at their annual “Finer Womanhood” program.
Pierce and Wilson live in Grambling and are Grambling State retirees. Both have been active in the community in numerous activities and organizations, including New Rocky Valley Baptist Church and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Emma Wilson and Martha Pierce
Pierce was employed at Grambling College in 1950 as secretary to President R.W.E. Jones. Three years later she became the first personnel officer at Grambling College. She is known for her quiet demeanor and eagerness to help others. Pierce and her late husband reared her niece, Tommie Jean Hester Wright and later Tommie’s two daughters. She is affectionately known as “T” by many. Pierce retired as assistant director of financial aid at GSU.
Wilson moved to Grambling in 1964 and developed the first home economics program at the new Hopewell High School in Dubach. She launched one of the signature programs of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – the “Storks Nest” to promote prenatal care and positive health choices during pregnancy among primarily low-income women in 1998 in collaboration with Mary Flournoy and the March of Dimes.
Wilson has generously contributed to GSU including the Clyde O. Wilson Scholarship for male students, the GSU Dept. of Education Clyde O. and Emma C. Wilson Professorship, and the Emma C. Wilson Scholarship for Grambling High graduates enrolling at GSU. She retired as assistant professor of home economics at GSU.
The guest speaker, interim superintendent of the Morehouse Parish School Board, Hazel Sellers spoke on “Celebrating the Woman of the 21st Century”.
The March of Dimes ‘Louisiana “F” for the 2015 Premature Birth Report Card’ and Infant Mortality in Louisiana handouts were distributed and discussed.
An amount of $667 in donations were accepted for the March of Dimes.