CHATHAM RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
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About CREA

Past Chatham REA Presidents

*Sarah Miller
​1971 - 1972
Janie Bowers
​1989 - 1990
Virginia Edwards Maynor
​2009 - 2010
*George McDonald
1972 - 1973
​1977 - 1978

*Margaret Sadler
1990 - 1991
​1991 - 1992
Jere Williams
​2010 - 2011
*Madeline Hanna
​1973 - 1974

Dr. Priscilla Thomas
1992 - 1993
Jo Robinson
​2011 - 2012
*Eugenia Burroughs
​1975 -1976

*Thomas Edwards
​1993 - 1994
Harriett Roberts
​2012 - 2013
*Preston East
1976 - 1977

*Alexander Luten
1994 - 1995
Betty Burnett
2013 - 2014
*Irma Fields
1978 - 1979

*Margaret A. Lewis
1995 - 1996
**Dr. Henrietta Gray
​2014 - 2015
*Robert Best
​1979 - 1980

*Betty Klein
1996 - 1997
*Ivy D. Richardson
​2015 - 2016
*Doris Thomas
1980 - 1981
2004 - 2005

**Dorothy B. Wilson
1997 - 1998
Dr. Connie S. Cooper
​2016 - 2017
*Elizabeth Deal
1981 - 1982

Janie B . Bruen
1999 - 2000
Arthur O. Howard
​2017 - 2018
*Carol Coons
​1982 - 1983

Glenn Lee
​2001 - 2002
Rev. Chester Ellis
​2018 - 2019
*Jessie Collier Deloach
​1983 - 1984

Eileen Newman
​2002 - 2003
Clara Williams
​2019 - 2020
*Frank Wilson
​1984 - 1985

Johnye W. Gillians
​2003 - 2004
Omie B. Flournoy
2020 - 202
*Johnnie Owens
​1985 - 1986

​Patricia Mincey
​2005 - 2006
Dr. Gordon N. Baker
​2021-2022
*Carl B. Thompson
1986 - 1987
2000 - 2001

Carolus Daniel
​2006 -2007
Annette S. Mitchell
2022 - 2023
*Anita Stripling
​1987 - 1988

Shirley C. Spears
​2007 - 2008
TBA
*Dewey Lee
1988 - 1989
​1998 - 1999
Hugh Golson
​2008 - 2009
TBA
* Deceased
**State GREA President

Historical Sketch of CREA

Up until 1971, there was no organization that helped educational retirees keep in touch with their former colleagues nor to work collectively to help and inform them of their benefits.  It was May 20, 1971 when a group of retired educators jointed together to organize the first CHATHAM RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.  This remained until 1998 at which time the Association decided to open membership to all retirees in the field of education, thus the present name, CHATHAM RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION.

The Association has monthly luncheon meetings every second Monday from September through April, except the month of January.  Fellowship takes top priority followed by legislature and disbursing of information pertinent to the members.  Carl Thompson, Sr., one of the Association's long time Legislative chairpersons has kept the members up-to-date on pending Bills in reference to retirees.  One of the highlights of the year, is when the legislators come to the luncheon as special guests to discuss with the members up-coming important bills pertaining to retirees.  Because of the help given by the local legislators and members lobbying, many excellent legislation, such as health insurance; salary increases, especially for those who retired on low salaries have been voted into law.

Members remain in contact with the schools by volunteering and inviting superintendents, teachers and students to participate on the programs throughout the year.  One superintendent who participated was "homegrown" Virginia Williams Edwards.  Mrs. Edwards was born, reared and educated in Savannah.*  The Association had much to be proud.

For more than 10 years, Martha McCullough has provided aesthetic environments that set the stage for pleasurable lunches.  She arrives early and decorates the meeting room and tables with favors around the theme for the meeting.

Margaret Sadler, Dorothy Wilson, Dewey Lee and Mabel Punzel have served the Association in almost every capacity over the years.  Their steadfastness has helped to keep the Association on solid ground.

Without the sincere commitment of members during these thirty-one years, the organization would have folded years ago.  It has been fortunate in selecting strong stable leadership.

Open communication is encouraged between the Local and the State Association.  The State President visits at least once every year.  Members participate in the Regional and the State Meetings.

Hopefully, this local Association will grow and become an even greater benefit to the members, the school system and to the community.

​Taken from, "Chatham Retired Educators Association Historical Sketch May 20, 1971 - March 11, 2002"
*Since this Historical Sketch was written, Savannah-Chatham Public School System has had a second "home-grown" superintendent.  Dr. M. Ann Levett, became Superintendent on June 1, 2017.  She continues her service as of the writing of this addition.

CREA Beyond Chatham County

*Area 6 - Directors:  Dewey Lee, Dorothy Wilson, Dr. Henrietta Gray, Dr. Connie Cooper
*State Presidents:   Dorothy Wilson, Dr. Henrietta Gray
*Hosting State GREA Convention:  May 9-12, 2011, Hyatt Regency Savannah

Dewey Lee Scholarship
​

The Chatham REA awards two scholarships annually to students attending Georgia Southern University-Armstrong Campus and Savannah State University.  Money is collected in various ways throughout the membership year.  The scholarship is named for Mr. Dewey Lee who served as President of Chatham REA during 1988-1989 and 1998-1999.  He also was the first Chatham REA member to serve as Area 6 Director.
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  • Home
  • About CREA
  • Meetings
  • Officers, Committees & Chairs
  • Why Join CREA/GREA?
  • Members in Action
  • More Information
  • GREA Area 5/6 Meeting - August 2022
  • 2021-2022 Year in Review
  • December 2022 Meeting
  • January 2023 - School Tour