1950: The Loss of Two Important Sisters

Within the coming year, Gamma Phi Beta lost two of its most devoted and hard-working members. Within two weeks of the Convention, Lillian Thompson (Michigan, 1892) died on July 2, 1950, and Lindsey Barbee (Denver, 1897) passed away the following April 8. Both women had served the Sorority as Grand Presidents, and both had been inspired leaders to the women who honored and loved them, extending far beyond Gamma Phi Beta. A Memorial Fund was established in 1951 to which members could contribute in memory of these and other devoted sisters.


Lillian Thompson (Michigan, 1892), Gamma Phi Beta’s first National Panhellenic Conference Chairwoman.


Lindsey Barbee (Denver, 1897) who was appointed The Crescent editor in 1910, a position she held until 1938 . During that time, Lindsey also served as Grand President from 1919 to 1924, director of public relations from 1924 to 1927 and historian from 1924 to 1930.