Portageville P.E.O. Chapter celebrates 75 years

Chapter GU of the P.E.O. Sisterhood celebrated their 75th birthday April 16, 2015 at the Portageville United Methodist Church.

Chapter GU was organized April 13, 1940 by several charter members: Alice B. Perry, Mary Louise Perry, Lucy J. Lester, Mary W. Cook, Bessie B. Hobbs, Ollie M. Bess, Carrie E. Robinson, Virginia Barnes Swilley, Ann M. Miller, Hunter Miller, Mary C. Simmons, Fannie Swilley, Minnie O. Noland, Georgia C. Lester and Hazel M. Ellington.

The Missouri P.E.O. State Convention will be held in June in Cape Girardeau where Chapter GU will be honored and recognized for their 75th birthday anniversary.

P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women, educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardships of Cottey College, and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.

Celebrating the 75th birthday of Chapter GU, P.E.O. are, front from left to right, Brenda Tillman, Mary Lynn Dial, Angie Kelly, Teri Benthal, Brittany Hayes and Christy Richardson; back from left to right, Carol Crafton, Cherie Rone, Anne Moody, Deborah McCrate, Brenda Morgan, Judy Phillips, Sharon Gremore, Norma Richardson, Kim Bracey, Amanda Edgar, Dawn Rone, Shelly Fisher and Melissa Williams.

Celebrating the 75th birthday of Chapter GU, P.E.O. are, front from left to right, Brenda Tillman, Mary Lynn Dial, Angie Kelly, Teri Benthal, Brittany Hayes and Christy Richardson; back from left to right, Carol Crafton, Cherie Rone, Anne Moody, Deborah McCrate, Brenda Morgan, Judy Phillips, Sharon Gremore, Norma Richardson, Kim Bracey, Amanda Edgar, Dawn Rone, Shelly Fisher and Melissa Williams.

Mary Lynn Dial was also honored at the celebration for 60 years as a member of Chapter GU, P.E.O.