Kappa Spotlight

C. Joyce Farrar-Rosemon

C. Joyce Farrar-Rosemon developed interactive therapeutic teddy bears to present to children in need. During the pandemic Joyce asked herself “What am I going to do with the rest of my life?” A young girl’s struggles with trauma and pain inspired Farrar-Roseman to begin making Hope Teddy Bears, therapeutic bears for children in need of healing. The bears have been sent to children of Ukraine and Uvalde, Texas.

Rosemon has expanded her line of therapeutic products that support individuals and families experiencing cancer. Her new product line showcases her flagship character, Caleb the Cancer-Fighting Bear. In the book he offers hope to the newly diagnosed Charlie by providing musical and therapeutic activities that encourage him to become a cancer survivor. She designed these products to help affected children and families to relax and focus on getting better during cancer treatments and reinforce the goal of their loved ones ringing the bell one day soon. Find these products here:

https://www.zazzle.com/store/cancerproducts/collections/

She presented a set of bears to National Kappa Kappa Iota during 2023-2024.

In the past she served as Chaplain for Mu Chapter.

C. Joyce Farrar-Rosemon

Dawn (Reutlinger) Jones, Beta Omicron Chapter, Alpha State/OK

Mrs. Dawn (Reutlinger) Jones became a member of Kappa Kappa Iota in the spring of 2020. For many years, she enjoyed attending Kappa events (especially Bunco and National Conventions) with her mom and dad, Linda and Danny Reutlinger. After getting to know all the amazing Kappas throughout the US she was thrilled to be one of them and to find ways to give back and get to know many of the amazing people that are a part of the Kappa Organization.

Dawn would have joined a lot earlier but there was never a chapter close to her in McKinney so she did not realize she could join living so far away. Once she realized she could be a Member At Large she then joined so she could help out Kappas everywhere. Recently, she has become a member of Beta Omicron in Alpha State so that way she could be a part of state committees and even help out in different parts of the National Convention.

For 18 years Dawn enjoyed teaching in Owasso, Oklahoma (6 years) and McKinney, Texas (12 years). Throughout those years she loved walking hand in hand with students in many different grade levels including 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 8th grade. For many years she found herself helping students with more than just their learning of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. She noticed a need to help kids with their emotions, social skills, and family relationships. She then decided to go back to school to get her Masters degree and become a Professional School Counselor. She has spent the last 6 years pouring into the students, staff, and community at McNeil Elementary as their School Counselor. She finds herself spending her days doing character lessons in every classroom, working with small groups on different social skills like: emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and grief, developing a Kindness Crew with 4th and 5th grade students who work to spread kindness throughout the community, organizing and leading many different service projects like: valentine cards for vets, collecting items for Sidewalk Showers, and collecting food for our Community Food Bank, and being a listening ear to many different students, parents, teachers, and staff members. She feels being a School Counselor is exactly where her heart was leading her. She is thankful to have applied and received the CREST award for having a Comprehensive School Counseling Program in the state of Texas the last four years. You can check out her latest entry at this website: https://sites.google.com/mckinneyisd.net/mcneil-crest-2023

In her spare time, Dawn enjoys spending time with her spicy sausage dog, Penny Renee’, traveling to Oklahoma to spend time with her parents, going on movie dates with her hubby, Philip, and reading, crafting, walking, and serving at Life Church. She feels being a Kappa means connecting with other educators who truly love and care about the education profession and giving back to the communities in which they live.

Dawn (Reutlinger) Jones, Beta Omicron Chapter, Alpha State/OK

Franny Spencer, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Epsilon State/AR

This month’s spotlight introduces Franny Spencer from Fort Smith, Arkansas. She belongs to Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon State. Franny became a member of Kappa in 2008. She has served both Alpha Gamma and Epsilon State as President and Vice President. She will complete her two year term as  President of Epsilon State in June. She has worked hard during her term to strengthen Kappa and get all members involved. Membership has been a very important goal for her.

Franny has taught pre-school, 1st grade, high school Resource Special Education and is presently teaching a self-contained high school class. Franny wears many hats. She is a mother of four, GiGi to five beautiful  grandchildren, sister and an outstanding friend to all. Franny enjoys crafting, cooking, playing card games and Bunco. She has attended four National Conventions and is looking forward to attending this summer at Chattanoogan. She is ready to see everyone in June!

Franny Spencer, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Epsilon State/AR

Elizabeth “Beth” Stanfield, Gamma Chapter, Psi State/TN

Beth has been a Kappa member since 2021. She has  been very active and involved in Psi State TN serving as recording secretary for the last two years. She is currently serving as the Treasurer for the 2025 National Kappa Kappa Iota Convention. Beth has also served as the Gamma Scholarship Chair for the last three years. She takes this job seriously and goes above and beyond expectations to help graduating students complete the applications for Kappa local, state, and national scholarships. Gamma Chapter awarded $5500 in scholarships to six students at Hixson High School in May 2025. Gamma Chapter raises funds for scholarships through the quarterly Bunco Fundraising Events held at our local fire station as well as through the Belk Charity Sales. Funds are also raised at local festivals. Beth is dedicated to raising funds to help students achieve their goals of going to college. Beth’s educational experience includes 25 years teaching special needs students at McConnell Elementary School in Hixson, TN. She also taught at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for the College of Education to students entering the field of education at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels for five years. Beth worked for the University of Tennessee as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Education for another eight years. 

Beth has been married to her husband David for 35 years. She grew up in Boaz, Al and frequently returns home to visit family. Words to describe Beth would include caring, intelligent, dedicated, and determined.

Beth Stanfield, Gamma Chapter, Psi State/TN

Judy McCready, Psi State/TN

Kappa Spotlight 2025 Psi State TN State President Judy McCready has served two terms in office as State President. She leads with grace and dignity during meetings. Judy is loved and respected by members of Psi State TN.

Judith has three brothers and two sisters; the oldest is 80 and all are church active and with original spouses. All love their families and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was the second one in her family to graduate from Radford College. She became a seventh grade Virginia History Teacher in Galax, VA City System. After four years she married her husband, Stan McCready. They had two daughters and three grandchildren. Judy’s granddaughter Almeda will be a freshman at ETSU in mid-August. She loves spending time with her grandchildren.

After her two daughters were born, she enjoyed being an at home mother and helpmate to Stan, a United Methodist pastor. She has always been active in her church. Judy serves as a leader in United Women in Faith, a member of leadership for her Sunday School Class for the past two years. She volunteers with Abide, a church program assisting caregivers of people with dementia issues. Volunteers help “friends” experience four hours of organized activities while the caregivers can do as they wish. Monthly services are held for caregivers as well. This was a joyful experience for her much to her surprise. She is highly active in Kappa Kappa Iota. Judy is currently serving as Immediate Past State President of Psi State TN, Gamma Chapter Empathy and Region 6 Empathy Chair.

Judy enjoys fundraising for Gamma’s Scholarship funds as well as our Philanthropic Project Nickels for Nepal. She enjoys reading, travelling, and being with family and friends in church related activities and trying new experiences. Four words to describe Judy are: warm, caring, giving, and compassionate.

Judy retired from McConnell Elementary School in Hixson, TN. She was the school librarian. Judy loves to read! Judy has served as secretary, vice president, president at local and state level. Judy is dedicated to Kappa Kappa Iota and is always an immense help.

Judy McCready, Psi State/TN

Marsha Doebler, Psi State/TN

Four words or phrases to describe Marsha are Active, Musical, Gardener and Lifelong Learner. She was described as “on-the-move” as a child and has never slowed down! She loves to travel-especially cruising-with her husband, Dennis. When they are home, Marsha spends a great deal of time working in her yard. They both are involved in volunteering in the community, being members of the Lions Club, serving in their church and working hard for Kappa. During her travels, if she wants to know more about something, she will research it or read historical novels about the subject.

Marsha and her husband, Dennis, have been married for 53 years! They met while both were studying to become teachers at Middle Tennessee University. They have a daughter named Rachel, who is a former model and now a physical therapy assistant. They also have a son named Andy, who is a Clinical Nurse Leader at Good Samaritan Hospital. Marsha taught first grade for 36 years. She retired in 2009.

Marsha became a Kappa in the mid 1970’s, which means she has been a member for over 50 years! She got to know the members through her husband, who taught at Hixson Elementary School. She was teaching at the new school at the time. Since then, Gamma Chapter has added many new members from Marsha’s school. Marsha has served in every position in her local Gamma Chapter. She has now also served in all positions at the Psi Tennessee State level. In fact, at both the Local and State level, Marsha has served multiple times in many of the positions. At this past Convention in Chattanooga, TN, Marsha was the Tour Chair. The Tour Chair position is one of the most difficult because not only do interesting tours need to be planned, they need to fit within the convention schedule. Several times she has had to go back to square one, but, in the end, she scheduled some wonderful tours!

Marsha is an ideal Kappa because of her willingness to serve and her leadership skills. Luckily, she is passing on her knowledge to younger Kappas, who are part of our future!

Marsha Doebler, Psi State/TN

Brenda Hope,Omicron/Rho State

Brenda Hope joined Kappa October 1, 2003 upon invitation from co-worker Joie Lovelace. Since becoming a member, Brenda has faithfully loved and served her local, state, and National organization. Presently she is serving as Kappa Kappa Iota National President for 2025-2026.

At all levels Brenda has faithfully given of her time and money. One of her passions has been membership. She has created numerous fun activities to help members learn more about Kappa. She challenged members to invite others to join our organization, often paying dues for new members and participating in “Adopt a Kappa.”

Brenda also loves supporting empathy. She faithfully sends out cards, makes calls, and visits those who need care and encouragement. She does this for Kappas and for those in her church and community.

In her church, Oak Grove, Brenda serves as choir director and she also serves on the board for the church. One ministry she supported was a Sunday School class of twelve boys, ages 11-15. They were known as “Brenda and Jim’s Kids.” Brenda and Jim worked with this group of boys until they grew up and went away to college. Their faithfulness to this group is evident in the fact that many of these youth, now adults, have continued to maintain that close connection with both Brenda and Jim.

Brenda’s husband Jim is highly supportive as a Kappa Guy. He enjoys attending Conventions with Brenda, and offers his time helping with transportation. Jim has delivered the memorial message at our last eight annual conventions with unwavering dedication.

Kappas, Forever Friends is the perfect theme for Brenda’s year. Wherever she goes she makes friends and keeps them for a lifetime!

Brenda Hope, Omicron/Rho State

Elizabeth “Pete” Johnston, Alpha/Upsilon State

Our Kappa Spotlight for October is Upsilon State’s own Pete Johnston. Many of you probably did not recognize the name Elizabeth above, because every Kappa who has ever registered Elizabeth for a convention or made a nametag knows she wanted only to be known as “Pete”. Pete is the true matriarch of the South Carolina Kappas. Those of us in Alpha Chapter, as well as members, of the community refer to her as “Ma Pete” because she is a true mother figure to us all. Having just celebrated her 97th birthday this summer and attending our first Kappa meeting this fall with National President Brenda Hope in attendance, it was only fitting that Pete should be highlighted as Upsilon’s Kappa Spotlight.

Pete began her career in 1947 teaching 7th grade at Berkeley High School. Except for a 4-year stint teaching in North Charleston, Pete spent her entire career in the Berkeley County School District, eventually retiring in 1987 from Berkeley Middle School. In 1963, Pete was the initiating educator of the first Kappa conclave (Alpha) in SC in her hometown of Moncks Corner. The sorority as it was known then grew to over 10 conclaves or chapters. At one point, Pete recalls, we may have had as many as 17 chapters. The first state meeting was held in Columbia in the late 1960’s, and we were off and running. Pete never served as Upsilon state president, but she served on many state and national committees, heading up the Upsilon state nominating committee for over 30 years which made a strong push for National Presidents Sue Hagan and Libby Rausch to enter the rotation on the Executive Board. Pete was the face of Upsilon State at National Conventions for over 40 years until her health made it difficult for her to travel long distances. She plans to attend the 2026 Charlotte convention, however, since it is close to her new home in Sharon, SC.

Pete has been an avid bridge player her entire adult life, sometimes playing 2 and 3 times a week with friends. She still plays bridge whenever she visits Moncks Corner and takes home the winning prize most times. Pete also is a lifetime member of the Moncks Corner United Methodist Church where she was baptized, married, and a member of the Newell Circle. Pete moved to upstate SC 3 years ago to be closer to her son and daughter, but she still visits her church, friends, and Kappa Alpha Chapter for special meetings when she can. Pete is looking forward to being at the 2026 Charlotte Kappa convention this year, since it is close to her new home, and seeing all her Kappa friends at that time. So, Kappas be prepared to welcome back our favorite Kappa sister, Pete Johnston, when you see her in June.

Elizabeth “Pete” Johnston, Alpha/Upsilon State/SC

Loretta Vail, Theta Chapter, Lambda State/GA

Loretta Vail is one of Lambda State-Georgias active members. Never one to remain passive on the sidelines, you will always find her amid some activity throughout a busy day. She presently serves as both Lambda State Secretary and as the Chair of Personal/Professional Development. She is also a member of her local Theta Chapter in the Metro Atlanta area. She has coordinated many projects and events both for Kappa and other community organizations for many years.

Loretta and her husband Tom moved to the Atlanta area in 1978 with their 18 month old daughter, who is now a mother of two and lives in Colorado. Tom and Loretta will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this November.

Loretta has been a member of Kappa Kappa Iota Theta Chapter, since 1990. She has held every office except Treasurer in the Theta Chapter. She has been Lambda State President twice, and Secretary as well as served as chair for Professional Development for several years. She was awarded a $2,500.00 scholarship from National Kappa Kappa Iota while working on her Specialist’s Degree at UGA. She has served on the National Scholarship Committee for 4 or 5 years.

In May after returning from a trip to France Loretta presented a PowerPoint of her trip to the Theta group. She learned a couple of interesting things about the French Educational system. Up until 1930 the elementary children drank wine at school. Until 1947 so did the high school students. Afterwards, the French schools took wine out of the classrooms. There is a 99% Literacy rate in the French schools.

Loretta started her career in Omaha, Nebraska where she taught Junior High Language Arts. For two years she worked at the Omaha Job Corps as a Reading Specialist. She was a Reading Specialist in Illinois and Georgia after receiving her master’s degree from University of Nebraska-Omaha. She was a Learning Disability instructor in Oak Park, Illinois, Wayne-Westland, Michigan and DeKalb Co., GA. She earned her Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Leadership from the University of Georgia in 2003 and ended her career as a Coordinator at the DeKalb County Office. Loretta retired from her educational career in 2006.

Loretta is a member of St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, Atlanta, GA. She currently serves on the Vestry – making this her third time to serve on the Vestry. For twelve years she was co-chair of the High Tea. She has served as chair for many years of the Invite, Welcome, Connect committee. She chairs several committees at St. Bede’s. She is also a member of the Mostly Mysteries Book club.

Fourteen years ago Loretta started volunteering with the AARP Driver Safety Program. I am now an Instructor, District Coordinator, Zone 3 Coordinator, and this summer was named Deputy Coordinator for the State of Georgia AARP Driver Safety Program. This is a great program that refreshes your memory about driving. As a participant said just last week, “We take driving for granted and this class reminds us of ways to stay safe.” The State of Georgia offers a discount on insurance for taking the class. Loretta has presented this program to her Theta Chapter.

This summer Loretta, her daughter and her grandchildren took a 5,260 mile three week trip visiting many sights in the USA. It was a great experience making many wonderful memories.

Loretta Vail, Theta Chapter, Lambda State/GA

Elizabeth Newby, Gamma Chapter, TN

Hello! My name is Elizabeth Newby, current president of Kappa Kappa Iota, Gamma Chapter in Hixson, TN. It all started with a Christmas party! I have been a Kappa for almost 5 years, holding positions of Secretary and now President. I enjoy KKI because of the great ladies in this group! Their dedication and love for Kappa is contagious. I was a related arts teacher for four years, my husband just retired from twenty years as a teacher, my daughter is currently teaching second grade, and I now hire and place substitutes in our school district. As you can imagine, that job is never done! Teaching is definitely in our family!

In March of this year, I was “gifted” eight one-day-old chicks! Did you know they ship them by USPS? The person who sent them didn’t do all the research needed and ordered four roosters and four hens. Six of the eight didn’t make the trip, but never fear, we couldn’t just have two roosters, three Tractor Supply stores later, we found four hens. Now the roosters, Chicken Nugget and Chicken Tender, crow at all hours of the day and night, and the Golden Girls lay between 2-4 eggs daily! Nugget is a Silkie and should have been named Fabio due to his lovely, long locks of feathers, which he shakes for the ladies.

When I am not out in the chicken coop or hiring substitute teachers, I am Hei Hei to my 15-month-old grandson, Blake. He is just the best! Here he is helping me run a monthly meeting.