A sad day.....

Katey Alpha Gam · #1 03-24-2004, 11:34 PM

I'm afraid I am the bearer of sad tidings. Millie Jeffries, an Alpha Gam Distinguished Citizen and an icon of Democratic politics and womens issues entered into Chapter Grand today. She was an INCREDIBLE woman that we should all be so proud to have had in our sisterhood. I have had the oppurtunity several times to meet her and she was ALWAYS so energized and so cheery; it was contagious! She has been an inspiration to me and to so many Democratic women here in Michigan. She will certianly be missed. Below is the article from a Michigan Political News Briefing:

DEMOCRATIC PARTY ORGANIZER MILLIE JEFFREY DEAD AT 93
Mildred "Millie" Jeffrey, an icon of Democratic politics and activist for liberal causes beginning in her teenage years, died Wednesday at age 93.

Working largely behind the scenes, including being part of the team that helped secure the selection of Geraldine Ferraro as the nation's first woman candidate by a major party for vice president, Ms. Jeffrey held just one public office. She served from 1977-91 as a member of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.

A founder and chair of the National Women's Political Caucus, Ms. Jeffrey was active in developing support for other women candidates for elective office as well, including Governor Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing). Much of her work involved organizing, canvassing, consulting and fundraising.

Ms. Jeffrey received the U.S. Medal of Freedom in 2000 and is an inductee in the Michigan Women's Hall of fame. Cutting her activist teeth in socialist and integration movements while a student at the University of Minnesota, she began her professional political activities in the 1930s as an organizer for the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America in Philadelphia and was the first director of the United Auto Workers Women's Bureau in 1944. She retired from the UAW in 1976.

"To say Millie was an inspiration to me is a gross understatement," Ms. Granholm said. "Through her tireless work on labor, women's and social issues, Millie taught me that the best leadership is courageous, selfless and committed to improving the world."

Said Ms. Stabenow: "Millie Jeffrey is an icon in our state and nation in the struggle for civil rights, women's rights and workers rights. Millie's life epitomizes the principles by which we all strive to live our lives: justice, equality and compassion."

Ms. Jeffrey was preceded in death by her former husband Newman. She is survived by two children.

Ms. Jeffrey will be cremated; a celebration of her life will be held on a date to be announced. Donations in her name may be sent to either the Mildred Jeffrey Endowed Scholarship Fund or the Mildred Jeffrey Peace and Conflict Collection at Wayne State University.

#2 03-25-2004, 12:33 AM

I remember reading articles about her and her accomplishments, and I was amazed to find out that she was a sister!

She obviously lived a colorful and exciting life, and I know our Chapter Grand sisters have already welcomed her with open arms.

GtownGirl98 · #3 03-25-2004, 09:24 AM

Amen to what Sandy said... she is partying down with Georgia and Emily right now.

greeklawgirl · #4 03-25-2004, 11:46 AM

What an amazing lady. I'm so glad we had the opportunity to call her Sister. May she rest in peace in Chapter Grand.

AGD4me · #5 03-25-2004, 04:45 PM

I had the incredible opportunity to meet Millie and have my picture taken with her years ago. Before I even knew she was an Alpha Gam I had the upmost respect for her. I was very active with NWPC through college and for a year or two after and she truly is an inspiration to me. I had the pleasure of doing some research on her at one point in time and she was nothing but a wonderful person. I'm sure her loved ones are incredibly blessed by the number of people whose lives she touched. We are lucky to call her sister!

AGDee · #6 03-25-2004, 08:16 PM

Yes, we certainly are lucky to call her a sister. I didn't realize she was in the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame (along with Emily H. Butterfield).

Taualumna · #7 03-26-2004, 12:42 AM

My thoughts and prayers will go out to our sister, Millie Jeffries. May she rest in peace.

AGDLynn · #8 03-22-2005, 11:39 PM

AGDrie told me tonight that Hillary passed away yesterday. She was a 1988 initiate of Epsilon Rho (Texas A&M) and worked for the AGD Foundation. No cause of death yet.

Please say a prayer for Hillary's family and our IHQ staff during this sad time.

LiEP,
Lynn

#9 03-22-2005, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AGDLynn
AGDrie told me tonight that Hillary passed away yesterday. She was a 1988 initiate of Epsilon Rho (Texas A&M) and worked for the AGD Foundation. No cause of death yet.

Please say a prayer for Hillary's family and our IHQ staff during this sad time.

LiEP,
Lynn

This is quite a shock.

I remember meeting her at convention for the first time. I can't believe she's gone.

My thoughts and prayers go to everyone who knew her and worked with her. She will be missed.

AGDee · #10 03-23-2005, 12:26 AM

I was just coming on here to post this information. She was the Vice President of the Foundation and an amazing sister. It has been determined that she died of natural causes at home. May she be rejoicing in heaven with our Founders. I have an address for cards and condolences if you'd like it, please PM me with your email address.

Dee

Taualumna · #11 03-23-2005, 01:08 AM

My thoughts and prayers to all who knew Hillary.

epi_girl · #12 03-23-2005, 07:05 PM

There is a beautiful obituary at houstonchronicle.com about Hilary.

#13 03-23-2005, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by epi_girl
There is a beautiful obituary at houstonchronicle.com about Hilary.

Indeed -- http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronic...rsonId=3324476

She gave of herself to many wonderful organizations. She truly was a shining example of our Purpose.

agdbirmingham · #14 03-25-2005, 03:24 PM

Thanks for letting us know. That's so sad. May she rest in peace.

AGDLynn · #15 04-02-2005, 12:45 PM

Frances Hammond Funderburk entered into Chapter Grand on Friday, 01 April 2005. We will all miss her very much.

Visitation will be held at Carson McClain Funeral Home on Saturday, 02 April 2005, at 6:00 p.m.

The funeral will be held at The First Presbyterian Church on Patterson Street, Valdosta, Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.

Frances was PDC when I was an undergrad many years ago but I've never forgotten how much she loved AGD. It was wonderful to see her at the last 2 conventions. I know that she was given an Honor of Epsilon Pi but don't recall it if was the Crescent.