NASHVILLE, TN — Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member Mai Olive Prather Shumake Lusk was presented with a plaque recognizing her milestone achievement of 75 years of membership in the sisterhood.
Mrs. Lusk was initiated into the sorority at Alpha Theta Chapter at Lincoln University in Missouri in 1946, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. While a student there, she participated in a vocal competition with another member of Delta Sigma Theta, lirico spinto soprano Leontyne Price, who was then a student at Wilberforce College.
Soror Lusk held a long and distinguished career as a classical (mezzo soprano) singer and educator. She is endowed with many talents, one of which is dramatics, for which she has won many honors. As a teen during the early 1940s, she captured Nashville Alumnae Chapter’s Miss Jabberwock crown, where she demonstrated her dramatic gifts.
Rev. Olivia M. Cloud, a past president of Nashville Alumnae Chapter, presented the black lacquered plaque to Mrs. Lusk during her holiday luncheon and bridge party, held at Kingdom Café and Grill in late December.
Her traditional holiday gathering was scaled down to observe COVID pandemic protocols. A small cadre was invited to be her special guests for a luncheon—longtime friends, bridge buddies, and Delta sisters, including her niece, Wannetta Edwards of West Chester, Penn.
Betty Jennings, also a member of Nashville Alumnae Chapter, wrote a special poem for the holiday occasion and closed with these special words of consideration for entering the New Year, “A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are for what you have. Life is sweeter when friends and family can get together and enjoy the company of each other.
“May peace and love be your gift in the New Year of 2022 and your blessing all through the year. Remember, God wants you to know that no matter what may come your way, He’s got it handled. Trust Him.”
Mrs. Lusk was especially pleased that Mrs. Edwards and her husband Victor were present to witness the presentation. Also in attendance at the petit gala was Mark Kwesi and two of his adult children, Dr. Gadson “Jack” Tarleton, and Helen Ross of the Hadley Park Duplicate Bridge Club. Special music was provided by Mr. Gerald Dixon.
The plaque was presented immediately following lunch. As is her tradition, Mrs. Lusk presented several door prizes, after which many of her guests formed tables of four to play a few rounds of bridge.
Mrs. Lusk was especially pleased by the presentation and remarked on the beauty of the plaque she received. She expressed her deep gratitude to Chapter President Beverly Evans Smith, and the members of Nashville Alumnae for acknowledging her 75 years of membership in the sisterhood.
Bountiful Blessings
By Betty M. Jennings
Bountiful blessings
Of joy, peace, and love
Our Heavenly Father
Sends from above
Precious gifts
That can’t be bought
Beautiful gifts that soothe
The heart and help
Life run ever so smooth
Let your gift-giving this year
Include prayer, support,
Smiles, love, and kindness
For everyone
Along with those so dear.
