Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Epsilon Theta Zeta Chapter presented its annual Finer Womanhood Celebration on March 16 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront.

The theme for the occasion was A Salute to Finer Womanhood: An Evening of Elegance. Each year the organization recognizes and honors women in the sorority and in the community who exhibit exemplary character and provide service to the community. The annual observance is in tribute to finer womanhood, one of the founding principles of the sorority.

This year’s award recipients included F. Mae Burke, who was honored as the Zeta of the Year. Burke is the secretary of the chapter and serves as the chairperson of the Hospitality and Courtesy Committee. She is actively involved in the programs of Zeta Phi Beta. She is a member at Laurel Hill United Church of Christ, where she is a member of the Women’s Fellowship and the Usher Board. She is an active member of the NCTS/Southwestern Alumni Association and the Heritage Center Inc. She also serves as a volunteer for the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

Sharon Jones Eaton was recognized as the Amica of the Year. Eaton is a member of the Suffolk Zeta Amicae, an auxiliary of the sorority. She is actively involved in her church and several community service organizations. She has served as the president of the East Suffolk Federated Civic League, member of the Democratic Committee, board of the American Red Cross, member of the Nansemond-Suffolk Branch of the NAACP, and the board of the Second Chance Program.

Evelyn F. Ledbetter was recognized as the Woman of the Year. She was a 4-H volunteer and held leadership positions on the local, district, and state levels of the organization. She has worked with the Nansemond-Isle of Wight Sunday School Union for more than 20 years. She is an active member of the Smart Set Club and serves on the Suffolk Community Clean Commission. She served as a health educator for the Sickle Cell Association, where she has been an outreach coordinator educating the community on the disease, as well as helping the needs of its patients.

A social hour followed the program, which included fellowship and dancing.