In the late 1960s Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. had not expanded beyond Charlotte and Gastonia in the piedmont.  Sorors living in Shelby participated through the Beta Mu Zeta chapter in Gastonia, NC.  Desiring to have a chapter in their own community Sorors Martha London, Jennie Poston, Betty Gidney, Margaret Hoyle and Mary Lee Gleaves worked to secure a chapter.  On October 6,1969 the chapter was chartered as the Graduate Chapter of Shelby, NC, which covers Cleveland County.  The chartering ceremony took place in Washington, DC.  For many years Zeta was involved in the community and had as its signature program the Little Ladies and Little Gentlemen Contest to raise money for scholarships.

 

Following an 11 year hiatus five determined women began the process of reactivating the chapter. After months of e-mails, text messages and meetings, the paperwork and financial requirements were met.  With the help of North Carolina State Director, LaKeshia Holley, and Eastern Regional Director, T. Diane Surgeon, Eta Delta Zeta chapter received approval from Headquarters on May 3, 2013 and was re-chartered on June 2, 2013.  Charter members are Vontella E. Dabbs, Bobbie J. Gilliam, Shunda S. Johnson, Michelle K. Phifer and Ivy A. Tyson-Parks.