Melba Priestly, Encouraging Mentor Joins Omega

Melba Priestly, GA Alpha Gamma, served Alpha Delta Kappa as International President from 19951997 and conducted its 50th Anniversary Convention at the Hyatt Regency and Westin Crown Center Hotels in Kansas City, MO. Melba’s theme was “Visions in Action.” Her logo featured the A∆K delta enhanced by four violets representing the four Founders. She always hoped that logo would become the sole emblem of Alpha Delta Kappa. Melba passed away on August 13, 2022.

Melba retired in 1991 after 32 years of teaching. During her lifetime, she touched the lives of hundreds of students in Washington, DC, and Georgia and thousands of members of Alpha Delta Kappa.

Carol Robertson, Past IEB Member, remembers Melba’s words, “Any success achieved can only come through individual dedication, a strong commitment to the education profession, the nurturing of and service to others. That is what we are about. That is who we are. That is why we exist.”

“She was quick to correct her “underlings,” yet she wanted to see us do well and achieve. Melba was a very special sister and mentor to so many of us.” ~ Debby Stubing, Past IVP Gulf Region

Described as a true “Southern Lady,” Melba lived her life as a model of altruism. She was a long-time volunteer for Meals on Wheels and in the Children’s Hospital Ronald McDonald Family Room and served on several committees within her church and Alpha Delta Kappa. Past International President Ann Hudson eulogized, “Melba was Melba. She never changed from what she called her ‘blue collar, middle Georgia, southern girl’ self. Whether a chapter member, state board member, or International officer, she was Melba. What you saw was what you got. She loved you. And if she saw your leadership potential, she let you know about it and then mentored you. She never let you drift on your own.”

“I loved how many times she said she was proud of my choice to serve Alpha Delta Kappa. Such a special Southern belle,” said Lottie Roy, Gulf President-Elect. FL Past President Pat Watkins remembers, “She was strong but never harsh. She did not hesitate to take charge in a manner that commanded respect. She was a kind and sincere sister.”

“Because of Melba, I am careful always to call our organization Alpha Delta Kappa when referring to it in public. Melba was adamant that we use the correct name and never A-D-K. Quite often when I say Alpha Delta Kappa, I hear Melba’s voice in my head,” ~ Mitzi Holmes, International President 2011-2013

“She was a sister of the heart until she joined Omega, and I do mean until the end – her celebration of life was on August 13. I received a FaceBook friend request the morning of August 14 from Melba. I like to think that Melba was letting me know that she was continuing her work. Melba inspired the mantra, WWMD? (What Would Melba Do?) Here is what Melba would do:

Rule #1 Make a notebook and take it with you. On trips to meetings, she would have the GA Directory and the GA Policies and Procedures Manual to refer to when needed;

Rule #2 You cannot sit at a meeting with those you rode with or are sharing a hotel room with;

Rule #3 You only get one “ugly” a day. After you use your “ugly” comment, the rest of your day must be kind and positive. Melba truly loved Alpha Delta Kappa, and she will forever be my Vision in Action.” ~ Yvette Keel, NC Beta Upsilon

GA State President Debbie Boswell spoke of Melba and her notebooks. “If she had you in her sights, she taught you the importance of organization and how it is best if it is in a notebook. Hence, my notebook today. It tends to stay with you.”

“Melba added blessings to my life through her caring, helpful leadership. She was a shining example of gracious, efficient, ‘Southern style’ as a Gulf sister who became an outstanding Grand/International President.” ~ Joan Tatum, ITE Board Member

Vivian Sullivan, Melba’s chapter sister, reflected that Melba enjoyed working with and the association of sisters at all levels and that “losing her was like losing a library of knowledge.”

“Melba was a strong, determined, dedicated leader in Alpha Delta Kappa. Her goals were 'over the top,’ and she expected her International Chapter to be the best. She was always very professional and never expected anything less from her team. We received study packets before every International Chapter meeting, and we were expected to read, study and be prepared for every item in those packets before our meetings. She always said, ‘Follow your heart; don't let anyone stand in your way; do what you feel is best for you and Alpha Delta Kappa.’” ~ Past International President Betty Nan Carroll

“Melba never sat on her laurels. She stood for pride and caring not just for ADK, but also for her family, friends, church, and country. She wanted us to do more for our teachers, more for our community and more for our organization.” ~ Carol Ogle, GA Alpha Gamma

“When Melba came to the dedication of our scholarship house, I hesitated to talk about our great effort. She said, ‘It ain’t bragging if you did it.’ We connected often after that visit. She was special to me as she was to so many.” ~ Leah Benner. Past Florida President

Melba Priestly left behind many grateful members, sisters who remember her encouragement and hard work for the benefit of Alpha Delta Kappa. Past International President and Georgia sister June Bellamy remarked, “Only Melba could have planned to have her memorial service on the 75th Anniversary of the founding of Alpha Delta Kappa.”

In her final address as International President, Melba said, “There are no words of farewell. I say only that I love you and thank you for all you do for others.”

Article by Susan Pelchat, Kappan staff