About zdz
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter was chartered on June 22, 1959, as the Graduate Chapter of Moorestown, which covers Burlington County in New Jersey. It was the fourth graduate chapter chartered in New Jersey with Soror Estelle V. Hall, now deceased, as the organizer and first Basileus. The Charter Members of Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter were Sorors: Clara Bennett, Olive Brown, Estella Hall, Estelle Rice and Ethel Richards.
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter aggressively recruited undergraduates to become its first pledge-line as told by Soror Juanita Freeman (a primary historical source). The first pledge-line made by Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter in 1959 included Sorors: Cordelia Bounds, Juanita Freeman, Cecelia Gray (Dobbins) and Barbara Robinson (Morton). Zeta Delta Zeta held its initial public meeting on Sunday, May 22, 1960 at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Moorestown!
By 1962, the chapter had grown to twenty-four members. They were Sorors: Clara Bennett, Cordelia Bounds, Ann Brown, Olive Brown, Evelyn Cain, Juanita Freeman, Harriet Gaines, Ruth Goodwin, Cecelia Gray (Dobbins), Estella Hall, Mary Hooks, Gracie Hooks, Bernice Kenny, Hilda King, Mary Ellen Maultsby, Sarah McLain, Estelle Rice, Ethel Richards, Barbara Robinson (Morton), Geneva Sharpe, Theresa Suggs, Mary Tramell, and Esther Vargas.
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter has continued to grow annually. The Chapter held steady at 50+ members for over a decade! Due to this growth, on November 7, 2023, Zeta Delta Zeta received a Certificate of Chapter Expansion to include servicing all of Burlington County! In 2026, the Chapter has grown to 79 members, each with a distinct role in demonstrating how Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter impacts the Burlington County community. Our members are educators, attorneys, elected township officials, social workers, nurses, counselors, administrators and STEM career women modeling Zetas Helping Other People Excel. Rooted in the tradition of leadership, 28 current chapter members serve or have served at the State, Regional or International level in elected or appointed positions.
Leadership: Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter has been a leader for our beloved sorority. On two occasions, the chapter hosted the Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference. Zeta Delta Zeta has had the distinction of having Sorors in the Chapter serve as State, Regional and National officers. Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern has served as National Educational Foundation Chair (longest serving) and National Representative to the National Council of Women of USA at the United Nations. Dr. Malvern also served as the 8th Atlantic Regional Director from 1980-1986. Soror Geneva C. Moody served as the International 3rd Anti-Basileus from 2006 through 2008. ZDZ has had three past New Jersey State Directors: Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern, Soror Geraldine Johnson and Soror Pauline E. Gibson. Soror Gibson holds the distinction of the longest serving State Director to date – 8 years!
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter Presidents, in order of service, include Sorors:
Estella V. Hall, Theresa Suggs, Cecelia Gray-Dobbins, Estelle R. Rice, Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern, Geraldine Johnson, Clara Bennett, Evelyn White, Cecelia Dobbins, Deidre A. West, Pauline E. Gibson, Katrina Wallace, Wanda Wilson-Little, Wanda F. Smith, Lynette N. Harris, Geneva C. Moody, Dr. Kecia L. Taylor and presently, Glenda W. Smiley.
Scholarship: Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter proudly shares that we, with the support of community stakeholders, have given over $190,000 in scholarships over the last 19 years, averaging $10,000+ per year to deserving female high school seniors in Burlington County.
Auxiliaries: On May 14,1968 an Amicae (Friends of Zeta) auxiliary, under the auspices of Zeta Delta Zeta was organized and chartered, The Amicae of Moorestown, NJ. Subsequently, an Archonette auxiliary was also organized and charted. The Amicette auxiliary was added to the chapter’s youth groups in May 2007. In 2009, the Chapter added its Pearlettes auxiliary. The Chapter activated its Zeta Male Network in or around 2015. Today, all of Zeta Delta Zeta auxiliaries continue to flourish under the direction and guidance of their respective advisors.
Z-HOPE Programming: Zeta Delta Zeta has served for over 65 years as a catalyst for improving quality of life through community outreach. Under Soror Geraldine Johnson, Soror Clara Bennett launched the Annual Career Day at Burlington City High School, later expanding to Camden High School. In partnership with Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter, South Jersey Links, Inc., and South Jersey Continental Society, Inc., the program continued for over 18 years. The chapter’s award-winning Adopt-A-School program has become a model for others. Under Soror Pauline E. Gibson, the Stork’s Nest program was launched in partnership with the March of Dimes to support prenatal care and reduce infant mortality. During her administration, the chapter earned numerous first-place state and regional awards. ZDZ also provides Eldercare services, including monthly programs, bingo, and seminars. In 2025–2026, the chapter focused on Autism, Domestic Violence, and Mental Health.
Ongoing initiatives include voter registration, literacy programs, Black heritage promotion, library donations, and support for domestic violence shelters and food banks. The Finer Extravaganza Prom Dress Drive, launched in 2023 and established as an annual program in 2024, provides prom attire and services to young women across the county.
Crystal Doves: Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter is honored to be the home of three Crystal Doves: Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern, Deborah Jumpp, and Levern Holloman.
Legacy: Since the inception of the Archonette Club, five Zeta legacies have been created. They are: Sorors Deborah Wilson and Kimberly Wilson, who are the daughters of the late Soror Glenda Wilson; Dr. Natoya S. E. Hill, daughter of Soror Pauline E. Gibson; Soror Geneva C. Moody, sister of Soror Deidre A. West; Soror Kaitlin C. West, daughter of Soror Deidre A. West. From 2014 – 2023, the legacy trailblazing path continued with Dr. Kecia L. Taylor adding 5 family members to the chapter’s legacy tree (all inducted into Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter): Soror Shyla Taylor, Soror Donna Caldwell, Soror Briana Holmes, Soror Dana Chapman and Soror Brielle Chapman.
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter aggressively recruited undergraduates to become its first pledge-line as told by Soror Juanita Freeman (a primary historical source). The first pledge-line made by Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter in 1959 included Sorors: Cordelia Bounds, Juanita Freeman, Cecelia Gray (Dobbins) and Barbara Robinson (Morton). Zeta Delta Zeta held its initial public meeting on Sunday, May 22, 1960 at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Moorestown!
By 1962, the chapter had grown to twenty-four members. They were Sorors: Clara Bennett, Cordelia Bounds, Ann Brown, Olive Brown, Evelyn Cain, Juanita Freeman, Harriet Gaines, Ruth Goodwin, Cecelia Gray (Dobbins), Estella Hall, Mary Hooks, Gracie Hooks, Bernice Kenny, Hilda King, Mary Ellen Maultsby, Sarah McLain, Estelle Rice, Ethel Richards, Barbara Robinson (Morton), Geneva Sharpe, Theresa Suggs, Mary Tramell, and Esther Vargas.
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter has continued to grow annually. The Chapter held steady at 50+ members for over a decade! Due to this growth, on November 7, 2023, Zeta Delta Zeta received a Certificate of Chapter Expansion to include servicing all of Burlington County! In 2026, the Chapter has grown to 79 members, each with a distinct role in demonstrating how Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter impacts the Burlington County community. Our members are educators, attorneys, elected township officials, social workers, nurses, counselors, administrators and STEM career women modeling Zetas Helping Other People Excel. Rooted in the tradition of leadership, 28 current chapter members serve or have served at the State, Regional or International level in elected or appointed positions.
Leadership: Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter has been a leader for our beloved sorority. On two occasions, the chapter hosted the Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference. Zeta Delta Zeta has had the distinction of having Sorors in the Chapter serve as State, Regional and National officers. Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern has served as National Educational Foundation Chair (longest serving) and National Representative to the National Council of Women of USA at the United Nations. Dr. Malvern also served as the 8th Atlantic Regional Director from 1980-1986. Soror Geneva C. Moody served as the International 3rd Anti-Basileus from 2006 through 2008. ZDZ has had three past New Jersey State Directors: Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern, Soror Geraldine Johnson and Soror Pauline E. Gibson. Soror Gibson holds the distinction of the longest serving State Director to date – 8 years!
Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter Presidents, in order of service, include Sorors:
Estella V. Hall, Theresa Suggs, Cecelia Gray-Dobbins, Estelle R. Rice, Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern, Geraldine Johnson, Clara Bennett, Evelyn White, Cecelia Dobbins, Deidre A. West, Pauline E. Gibson, Katrina Wallace, Wanda Wilson-Little, Wanda F. Smith, Lynette N. Harris, Geneva C. Moody, Dr. Kecia L. Taylor and presently, Glenda W. Smiley.
Scholarship: Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter proudly shares that we, with the support of community stakeholders, have given over $190,000 in scholarships over the last 19 years, averaging $10,000+ per year to deserving female high school seniors in Burlington County.
Auxiliaries: On May 14,1968 an Amicae (Friends of Zeta) auxiliary, under the auspices of Zeta Delta Zeta was organized and chartered, The Amicae of Moorestown, NJ. Subsequently, an Archonette auxiliary was also organized and charted. The Amicette auxiliary was added to the chapter’s youth groups in May 2007. In 2009, the Chapter added its Pearlettes auxiliary. The Chapter activated its Zeta Male Network in or around 2015. Today, all of Zeta Delta Zeta auxiliaries continue to flourish under the direction and guidance of their respective advisors.
Z-HOPE Programming: Zeta Delta Zeta has served for over 65 years as a catalyst for improving quality of life through community outreach. Under Soror Geraldine Johnson, Soror Clara Bennett launched the Annual Career Day at Burlington City High School, later expanding to Camden High School. In partnership with Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter, South Jersey Links, Inc., and South Jersey Continental Society, Inc., the program continued for over 18 years. The chapter’s award-winning Adopt-A-School program has become a model for others. Under Soror Pauline E. Gibson, the Stork’s Nest program was launched in partnership with the March of Dimes to support prenatal care and reduce infant mortality. During her administration, the chapter earned numerous first-place state and regional awards. ZDZ also provides Eldercare services, including monthly programs, bingo, and seminars. In 2025–2026, the chapter focused on Autism, Domestic Violence, and Mental Health.
Ongoing initiatives include voter registration, literacy programs, Black heritage promotion, library donations, and support for domestic violence shelters and food banks. The Finer Extravaganza Prom Dress Drive, launched in 2023 and established as an annual program in 2024, provides prom attire and services to young women across the county.
Crystal Doves: Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter is honored to be the home of three Crystal Doves: Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern, Deborah Jumpp, and Levern Holloman.
Legacy: Since the inception of the Archonette Club, five Zeta legacies have been created. They are: Sorors Deborah Wilson and Kimberly Wilson, who are the daughters of the late Soror Glenda Wilson; Dr. Natoya S. E. Hill, daughter of Soror Pauline E. Gibson; Soror Geneva C. Moody, sister of Soror Deidre A. West; Soror Kaitlin C. West, daughter of Soror Deidre A. West. From 2014 – 2023, the legacy trailblazing path continued with Dr. Kecia L. Taylor adding 5 family members to the chapter’s legacy tree (all inducted into Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter): Soror Shyla Taylor, Soror Donna Caldwell, Soror Briana Holmes, Soror Dana Chapman and Soror Brielle Chapman.
