The first Knoxville chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was organized by Lutitia O' Neal of Chattanooga, Tennessee, three local sorors, and the Regional Director.  The local sorors were Ruth Bond, Dorothy Shepherd, and Maureen Tinsley Taylor.  The graduate chapter was named Alpha Kappa Sigma, and had its origin with nine newly initiated charter members: Bessie Brice,   Marion Atkins Crippens,  Ruth Graham

Mary Gillespie Jefferson,  Estelle Smith Lennon,  Estelle Cary Merrifield

Lillian Cary Morrow, Beulah Warren Sinclair,   Martha Trigg Smith

In November 1938, the Regional Director created a mixed chapter by changing Alpha Kappa Sigma to Beta Omicron.  Beta Omicron accepted both graduate and undergraduate members.  However, the chapter had to abide by the rules of Knoxville College. Beta Omicron worked jointly with sorors living in the city. 

At the request of those sorors residing in the city, the chapters were separated in March 1947.  The graduate chapter received its third charter in the name of Gamma Theta Sigma.  The undergraduate chapter at Knoxville College was given the name Gamma Mu.

Due to the increase in the number of chapters in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., all alumnae chapters were given the name of their city location in the late 1950's if there was only one chapter in the city. Thus, Gamma Theta Sigma became the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter. 

**Soror Nora Turner Jackson was the first to be initiated into Alpha Kappa Sigma.**

Knoxville Alumnae Chapter

Knoxville, Tennessee

Chapter History

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.