The growth and development of chapter chartered number 1002, the Houston chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, was the result of the enthusiasm and untiring efforts of its three organizers Bobbie Atkins, Ella Bennett, and Ora Piper.

Upon securing a charter in June of 1964 for this new organization, the founders realized that the membership roster needed to increase.  In a fervent attempt to interest distinguished, dedicated women committed to service, Founder Ina Bolton Brown invited her collaborators to meet in Houston, Texas.  In August 1964, a meeting was held on the campus of Texas Southern University with Lady Ozell Dean present.  Lady Dean explained her dream for the future and her vision to a group of women who were committed to “tops in service” willing to work with frustrated and troubled youth.

The purpose of this meeting was two-fold: (1) to induct persons and (2) to hold a work session.  One of the four inductees was Ella M. Bennett of Houston, a co-worker of Founder Ina Bolton Brown.  Also included in the day’s activities was a luncheon for the new members at Ye Olde College Inn.

The Rose City Chapter, Tyler, Texas, having been organized was meeting and constantly growing.  Mesdames Bobbie Atkins and Ora Piper were invited to attend a meeting in the home of Founder Franchell Boswell.  At this Rose City TLOD chapter meeting Bobbie Atkins and Ora Piper were inducted into TLOD.  Upon their return to Houston, the newly inducted Ladies were committed to the task of working with Lady Bennett to recruit other women in Houston for the purpose of initiating and implementing programs for the betterment of youth.

Inasmuch as the organization was still in its embryonic state, meetings were scheduled quarterly in various cities to help establish chapters.  The words “Top Ladies” were now being spread.  Houston, Texas at the Sheraton-Hilton Hotel was the next city on the schedule.

On February 27, 1965, the three Houston chapter organizers hosted a meeting and inducted five Ladies.  Thus, the birth of the Houston Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction.

The membership roster consisted of: Organizers Bobbie Atkins, Ella M. Bennett and Ora Piper and charter members Drucie Chase, Lillian Francis, Edith Jones, Burnadine Lewis and Ruth Mundine.

Meetings were held at 10 A.M. on Saturday in the homes of the members with Lady Ella Bennett serving as the first president; and Lady Bobbie Atkins serving as the first recording secretary.

Those Ladies immediately embarked on the JOCE program.  The JOCE program (Job Opportunities through Continued Education) was coordinated through the vocational Guidance Service.  Mr. Gus Taylor, Counselor and Mr. Frederick Weiner, Director of the Program, assisted in the implementation of this JOCE Program by assisting economically deprived teenagers to secure after school employment.  Thus enabling these teenagers to work and attend school.

The next city where the Ladies of Distinction met was Dallas, Texas, in June 1965.  This meeting added another Houston Lady to the roster, Lady Earnestine Alexander.

In October 1965, a meeting held in Port Arthur, Texas added to the Houston chapter Ladies Cornelia Howard, Faye Bryant, Markston Kennedy, Alee Mitchell, Margaret Armstrong, and Edna Gunnells.

The membership roster had now grown to fifteen members and the Houston chapter was busily involved with the JOCE program.

In November 1966, the chapter hosted an Area Meeting at Hotel America.  This meeting consisted of work sessions, a public fashion show luncheon and champagne-lady fingers reception for the new inductees.  Persons in attendance at the public luncheon and reception were informed as to the significance and purposes of the organization.  This Area meeting greatly enhanced the image of TLOD in the city.