Charmettes' Beginnings
The Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter of the Charmettes, Incorporated, was installed in October 1988 in Washington DC under National President Bettye Stevens and National Vice-President Dothea Smith.
The Washington DC Metropolitan Area Chapter of the Charmettes, Incorporated was formed by Charmette Bettye Walker Holmes, Barbara DeVeaux and Bettye Jamerson. Charmette Bettye Walker Holmes was familiar with the Charmettes, Inc. a Florida based organization because she lived in Florida all of her life. Charmette Holmes introduced her friends Barbara and Bettye to the Charmettes by sharing the good deed being provided by the Charmettes to the Florida community at large.
Charmettes Holmes, DeVeaux and Jamerson knew that there was a need for this organization in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, so that services could be rendered to children, cancer patients, the elderly, and the homeless in the community. Charmette Holmes spoke with Charmette Joyce Austin of the Hillsborough Chapter (Tampa, Florida) of the Charmettes Inc. to inform her of our interest and to gain her support in the establishment of the Chapter in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. In late 1986, these three ladies began to invite relatives and friends to become a part of this organization. Under the guidance of the National Vice-President Dothea Smith, the Washington DC Metropolitan Chapter became a reality. The Chapter was established by the following members: Brenda Bonds, Lucille Coles, Barbara DeVeaux, Ethel Gaines, Betty Jameson, Elizabeth Jenkins, Patricia McDaniels, Barbara Samuels, Joyce Walker, Betty Waters and Jeannette Williams.
The Washington DC Metropolitan Area Chapter moved rapidly, providing services in our community. The Chapter adopted a Senior Center; served residents identified by Social Services of Prince Georges’ County by providing services and donated gifts to Border Babies in Washington, DC. Sponsored Health Fairs, provided services to cancer patients, distrusted coats and blankets to the homeless, sponsored high teas, in honor of cancer survivors, held annual balls (black and white balls), hosted Mother’s Day fashion shows and dinners, hosted National Charmette conventions, annual crab feasts, gifted Holiday Gift baskets to families in need and provided school supplies.
Member writes and produces Biblical Plays, present dinner and play theater etc.