Longtime sorority member still committed to the cause
Annette McGlon is part of a business women’s and professional sorority, Eta Phi Beta, working to help the needy and make the community stronger.
McGlon is 90 years old, and her membership in Eta Phi Beta dates to the 1960s, not long after the founding of Oklahoma City’s Tau chapter on June 5, 1965. One of the charter members was Barbara Simpson, the only charter member still active.
The national sorority was founded in Detroit in 1942, when 11 women sought to bring together black women who could network professionally and share their gifts with each other and the world.
That vision, now in its 75th year, has spread to chapters across the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A simple motto guides their action: “Not for ourselves, but for others.”
That’s the case in Oklahoma City, where the women help the intellectually disabled. One of the members, Sandra Finney, said they work with the J.D. McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities in Norman. They’ve donated games, books and funds, and help Special Olympics with competitions in Oklahoma City and the summer games in May in Stillwater.
They also remember the homeless, as they knit and donate caps to help those on the streets battling the cold. The chapter has also provided scholarship assistance to college students.
Other causes include assistance to the Infant Crisis Services and donations for a women’s shelter.
Finney said the sorority incorporates the entire family. Husbands are called SHADS and children are Eta Kids, Beeettes and Senords.
Terry Quist, one of three daughters of Annette McGlon, considers it a blessing to have been exposed to the club’s philanthropy, social events and love while growing up.
“We (children) would be there for Super Bowl parties and it was a lot of fun,” she said. Even as she grew older, she enjoyed being around club members.
“In my early 20s, I still preferred their company. Some of my friends couldn’t understand that, but I always had a great time with my mother’s friends.”
Her mother was president from 1993 to 1995.
“I pretty sure she held every office at one time,” Quist said.
Age and health have led to her mother not being as active as she would like to be. Eta Phi Beta still holds a cherished place in the former president’s heart.
“I love the sorority and wish I was able to attend meetings,” McGlon said. “I miss the ladies and have always enjoyed being around such a wonderful group of people.”
Her time as president made an impression on Finney, who joined in the 1970s.
“When Annette was president of Tau Chapter, she always took care of business in a very professional manner,” Finney said.
“Whenever we were doing our volunteer work, she was the first to be there and she made sure we were prepared.”
Jeanor Taylor, president of the 22-member chapter, remains impressed with McGlon’s leadership.
“It’s her kind of commitment which is the backbone of the organization,” Taylor said.
The sorority’s business meetings are on the fourth Saturday of the month, and Taylor has advice for those wanting to help Eta Phi Beta’s mission.
“Please ask a member how to join,” she said.
I love the sorority and wish I was able to attend meetings. I miss the ladies and have always enjoyed being around such a wonderful group of people.”
Annette McGlon Whenever we were doing our volunteer work, she was the first to be there and she made sure we were prepared.”
Sandra Finney