was organized as an interest group in 1990 under the guidance of Dianna White, Jeanette Pendergrass, and Dr. Linda Bigelow. Twenty-four (24) mothers attended the first meeting, which was held at the home of Dianna White. After several meetings, the group was established as the P*e Dee Children’s Association with sixteen mothers. The group remained an interest group for one year providing many acti
vities for children and families. The children and families experienced a variety of positive activities to include the following: weekend trip to Myrtle Beach; Family Day; Christmas Dinner; and teen visits to colleges and universities. Representatives also attended various conferences. In 1991, the association was voted into membership with Provisional Chapter status during the National Convention in Orlando, Florida as the 247th chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. Mid-Atlantic Region. After two years of hard work and dedication of seventeen (17) mothers, a chapter was formed that now serves Florence, Darlington and Williamsburg counties. On Saturday, October 24, 1992, the Florence Chapter chartering ceremonies were held at the Oakdale Country Club. The charter members were: Teresa Anderson; Linda Bigelow; Barbara Brooks; Carolyn Brown; Diane Chapman; Elizabeth Clark; Hilda Conner; Shirley Green; Betty Jackson; Nellie Jones; Ann King; Gloria McCutcheon; Jeanette Pendergrass; Janetha Prioleau; Teresa Rozzelle; Marian Weeks; and Dianna White. Since its inception, the Florence Chapter has held various projects throughout the years that have benefited the children of the group and the community educationally, culturally, and socially under the leadership of the following presidents:
Linda Bigelow 1990-1993
Elizabeth Clark 1993-1995
Frances Thomas 1995-1997
Loretta Brown 1997-2001
Patricia Singleton Parr 2001-2005
Dr. Adora Matthews 2005- 2007
Tracy Miller 2007-2011
Karen Aikens 2011- 2013
Dr. Jeniqua Duncan 2013-2017
Lamibia Dunham 2017-2021
Kenyetta Kennedy-Sanders 2021- Present
These activities include the adoption of a first grade class at North Vista; voter registration drive; UNCF; annual Thanksgiving Dinner, “Time of Sharing”; Christmas Party for the Boys and Girls Club; Manna House Food Drive; Faith Nursing Home, Co-sponsor of Carver Health Fair, Summer Reading Program and participation in many chapter activities. The Florence Chapter has also hosted the 1995 and 2002 South Carolina Cluster meetings. The 2012 Teen Conference was co-hosted with the Conway, SC chapter. The chapter hosted a new event for Founders Day that also served as a fundraiser for the Foundation in 2014. “Painting Power and Potential” was hosted at a local wine and paint establishment owned by an African American female. The owner created a unique painting for moms, associates and guests to paint. The painting was conceptualized after the national Jack and Jill emblem. The chapter was overjoyed to have Regional Director Deirdre Williams in attendance.
